How Can I Bless You?

"God bless you." we say when someone sneezes. Or, as my brother-in-law insists, "MGBY" = "May God Bless You." He doesn't think it proper for us to insist that the Lord bless someone, but to ask with good manners. The irony there is, does reducing a statement to "text talk" still make it good manners??

My pastor's end of the year sermon left me with the question in my heart and mind... "How can I bless the Lord with my life?" What can I do to make sure that how I conduct myself is pleasing to the Lord? Is this something that we think about on a regular basis? Every day? Morning and evening? That's pretty dedicated. I don't know if I am strong enough or devout enough to be on my game at all times. I am flawed. Human. Sinful. Busy. All these things get in the way of being holy... the ultimate goal of a Christian... to be like Christ... Holy.

To put it into simple perspective my pastor gave an example of exercise or ice cream. I'm going to take this example in a different direction. How often does our mind tell us "the right thing to do is exercise" to stay healthy and energetic? But we are so tired, worn out, zapped, all we want to do at the end of the day is plunk down in front of the TV with a dish of ice cream. That makes us feel better at the moment. Right? I do it. In fact I just bought my childhood favorite, Peppermint Stick - I haven't seen it in the store for a really long time - I had to get it. The pure white ice cream with the little bits of pink and green peppermint candy mixed in. I've been savoring a scoop of that for three nights in a row.

Now, what makes us feel better in the long run? Ice cream or exercise? We all know the answer is exercise. Ice cream is the immediate gratification feel good. Exercise is the long term. Which is easier? Ice cream, of course. But which makes us feel better overall? Which gives us benefits that last? Exercise.

Benefits that last.... hmmm? Now I'll take you into the "Deep" that is promised by the name of my blog. So, if our goal as a Christ follower is to be holy, how does a flawed, undisciplined, ice cream eating human like myself even begin this pursuit? I suppose we could ask, in prayer, daily - in the morning - before our day even starts - "Lord, how can I bless You with my life today? Please, guide me and show me the way. Amen." And then at the end of the day, in the evening, we could reflect on how our day played out and pray, "Reveal to me, Lord, what you considered a blessing in my efforts today. Thank you for letting me serve you with my life this day. Amen."

In the next verse of thanks in the Bible, it speaks of the life work of the Levites.

"They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening" 1 Chronicles 23:30

The theme of praising the Lord morning and evening is also reinforced for the Levites' work in the following verse:

"Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night." 1 Chronicles 9:33

This was their duty, assigned by God himself and then overseen by those such as Moses, King David and his descendants, to thank and praise the Lord. Through a bit of research I found that the word praise is linked to playing instruments and singing. I also found that when referring to night, they are actually continuing this praise through the night... so at all hours of the day God was being praised by those born into this high calling. The Levites were blessing the Lord with their work day and night, morning and evening.

Things have changed dramatically in our worship (our praise and thanks) to our God since these old testament times. He is a good and gracious God and certainly does not expect us to go without sleep to continue our praise throughout the night. But He does want to hear from us regularly. He wants our continued reliance on His strength, power, and provision of peace, love and grace. He wants us to keep Him in our consciousness throughout our day - and by doing this He promises to guide us in our thoughts, words and actions and he promises us, for our efforts and our faith in His Son, benefits that will last.

"And this is what he promised us - even eternal life." 1 John 2:25

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

I'm not giving up ice cream, and I don't think that God wants me to. But I am going to try to be more aware of His presence, of others, of circumstances - - and how He wants me to contribute to make it a little bit better with His help. That's how I can bless Him, and He tells me in His Word that He created me that way and prepared these jobs for me in advance. The challenge for me is, can I take the focus off of myself long enough to see these blessings and then do my part?

Lord, As a new year begins, we come to You and ask for Your blessing.
We pray that you would give us joy to fill our days, peace to fill our hearts, and love to fill our lives.
Thank You for the plans You have for us in this new year.
We wait in anticipation to see all You will do!

Thanking God for you and praying your new year is blessed in every way.

"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 hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Shattered Pieces

They were beautiful. A treasured collection of brilliant, shiny, colorful, oh so delicate glass. For over 20 years I've been blessed with these special gifts from my husband's Aunt Delores. I prized these pieces and took gentle, loving care of them year after year. They were unpacked, individually, from their tissue wrap and placed on the highest branches as to not be touched by young ones who may not be careful enough. They also held this high position to show off their beauty to all who were blessed to take in the glory of our tree at Christmas time. They were my German-made, hand crafted, glass ornament collection.

I am referring to this precious collection as past-tense because, on the very day that I finished decorating our tree, I was alarmed by a tremendous crashing sound. The tree came down, landing on the banister, and taking out nearly all of the 20 some fragile ornaments that I had so delicately cared for all of these years. They were now strewn one-third of the way across the house upstairs and down. Tiny shards of shattered pieces - no longer recognizable as the beautiful objects representing Christmas any longer. They were now of great danger to little bare toes and had to be cleaned up as soon as possible. Good thing it was after bed time and most of the little toes in the house were safely tucked into their sheets.

I went to my husband, and pulled him away from a job he was doing out in the garage, to have him help me out. I was a wreck. All I wanted to do was scream, cry, curse like a sailor, blame someone for this loss, this great mess. We just both got to work sweeping, picking, vacuuming, straightening, righting and securing the tree. Hours of work. Days later I was still finding tiny shards of sparkling glass in the carpet on the steps... I felt like a CSI agent with my flashlight and tweezers picking up trace. Each one made me, again, feel the loss.

It took days before I could "fix" the tree. Remove the hooks that no longer held the beautiful keepsake that used to hang from it. Move and replace ornaments into places that were now bare. I was angry. Sad. Feeling pretty ripped-off. Why? Why did my beautiful tree have to fall? Why did all of those wonderful ornaments have to get destroyed? I was thinking and feeling all these things as I was fixing my tree and then I saw it. The ornament that didn't get broken. The one that made it through the disaster. The Holy Bible. There it hung. Right in a place that looked as if it should have landed square on the railing... front and center, at the perfect height to have been smashed like the rest. Interesting. How did it not get shattered like the others?

Then I thought, wow, this is a lesson on life. On the meaning of why we decorate, plan, bake, shop, cook, wrap, travel, send, and give. We are celebrating Christmas and for what? It is so easy to get all wrapped up in the commercialism associated with Christmas. The icons that have become so familiar; Santa, snowmen, toy soldiers, reindeer, pretty packages, elves, ribbons, evergreen trees, wreaths and bows... all of these symbols of Christmas were smashed to smithereens. What remained? The Bible. The Good Book. God's story. His love letter to us. Our recorded words from our Heavenly Father - God's Word.

Though it was simply an ornament representing the real thing - it touched me deeply. Made me think. Made me realize what is truly important. What will last through to the end after everything else is lost. Shattered. Gone... God. God lasts. He is there even when your prized possessions, your precious loved ones, your health, your marriage, your finances, or even your sanity are gone. God is there.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son." Revelation 21:6-7

"See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first." Hebrews 3:12-14

Pastor Matt prayed this prayer of confession and forgiveness at the candlelight Christmas Eve service this year. I found that it fit right into these thoughts and lessons that I was learning through my recent losses:

Gracious God, you loved us so much that you reached into this broken world with your love to save us. Yet we acknowledge that too often we fail to love you and each other. We sin against each other and You by our thoughts, words, and actions. We so easily become a sign of brokenness instead of a reflection of Your great love. As You have given the sign of Your grace in Jesus again this night, hear our confession, forgive our sin, and give us a sign so that we would know with confidence that we are saved from death by Your great mercy and love.

"See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us - even eternal life." 1 John 2:24-25

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptable with reverence and awe" Hebrews 12:28

A kingdom that cannot be shaken. No shattered pieces. Real. True. Solid. Forever. God's promises are the prized possessions that I need to treasure and lovingly care for and put on the highest place. I thank the Lord for the lessons He teaches me, even when I have to loose precious things to understand the true meaning.

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

New Perspective

"How was your Christmas?" is the question that you commonly hear during this next week or so. I'm happy to reply with, "Very good, thank you, and yours?" or "Terrific!" or "Emotional, but nice." or "Just what we were expecting and hoping for."... depending on who I am answering.

Mine was an emotional Christmas. My first Christmas without my mom. I got to spend a lot of nice down time with my family and my dad (who is alone due to mom's rather recent trip to heaven). Church was very emotional, comforting, touching, beautiful. We attended the candlelight service on Christmas Eve at my dad's church. That was mom's favorite part of Christmas. Needless to say it was a huge part of the "emotional" that I described my experience as earlier. The tears that I (and dad) shed were aching tears but they were also tears of comfort as they brought mom's presence in close, in our hearts, just where we want her to remain until we see her face to face again one day in heaven.

This year Christmas felt different in another way too. I felt like I understood the meaning better. I could relate deeper with the reality of it more. The details felt alive and more intense. I suppose a bunch of it has to do with the fact that my relationship with Jesus has become all that much more personal and deep since last Christmas. When that takes place in any relationship you begin to see the details of your loved one's life with a new perspective. Sort of like you can feel what they feel, understand what they know, or at least want to. I suppose having mom in Jesus presence, in heaven, draws my heart and mind closer to my future there as well.

Humble and lowly were the conditions that our Lord and Savior was born in. Mary and Joseph were without shelter, refugees - if you will, weary from the very long, most likely difficult and unpleasant trip they had just completed to get to Bethlehem (from Nazareth - I believe I heard this was about 60 miles). I am worn out after riding - in a car - not on the back of a donkey - the 4 hours it takes - not weeks, on foot out in the elements and 9 months pregnant - to get back home for the holidays. The brand new baby laid in a filthy feed box for livestock. Those are some of the details that I've overlooked all these years. I've heard them and read them so many times they became like wallpaper and I didn't really look at the details of the design. When my firstborn was brought into this world I wouldn't even let my beloved dog (who had been my "baby" up until that point) sniff him for fear that the dog would give by precious son some sort of deadly disease. Seriously, I'm not joking, I was that intense.

"This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:12

Another detail that took on a new meaning for me was to think that my Creator, Savior, Almighty King, Prince of Peace, Immanuel lowered himself from heavenly royalty to become a human baby for my sake and yours. He was born in this very lowly way, walked the earth as a servant not as a king, and was even put to death in the way that terrible criminals were slain... all so humbling. He did all of that for me because he wanted me and you to have a chance to spend glorious time with him in eternity one day.

It's so hard for me to understand why some choose not to love him back. I owe him my life, and for some reason, at times, I behave as though he owes me something. Crazy. If I pray and serve others with my time, if I read my bible and devote my time to godly things I get myself all filled up with sinful pride and think he owes me blessings... prosperity, comforts, love, peace, miracles. No. No, he doesn't owe me anything... but I owe him everything... and yet He blesses me and my family daily and promises us the hope of heaven... without cost. There is nothing we can do to attain his love... it's unconditional... or earn our way to heaven... he already took care of the tab on the cross at Calvary. All I need to do is believe and follow Him. Seems so simple and yet because I'm born into sin, it's a daily battle - but, a battle worth fighting none-the-less.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

"It is the gift of God"... that's a Christmas present worth telling about! I'm thankful for this new reality on how I view Jesus' birthday celebration. And I look forward to my own face to face meeting with Jesus one day when he calls me home. Now that's what Christmas really means.

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

A Piece of Quiet

Christmas has passed. We are now in the limbo between holidays. Life has slowed down a titch... or has it??

I'm having a difficult time finding quiet these days. So much activity around me, my routine is thrown off... How do I find the peace I've been getting so used to? I was starting to feel myself getting a bit stressed over this and then I realized that I wasn't making my quiet time with Jesus my priority as I have been for some time now. I haven't been skipping it, just not making it the beginning or the highlight... more like fitting it in. I can be so dense sometimes. So easily side-tracked and swept up in the moment. Jesus promises to give us his peace, we just need to ask. Why do I forget to ask?

So, I was lingering in my bed this morning, feeling quite justified, as I haven't been able to sleep there for three nights. I, like most, sleep best in my bed, in my sheets, in my familiar comfort. I slept really well and was savoring the goodness of it... when I realized that the house was coming alive with activity... my husband had left for work, two of the four kids were awake and I missed out on the moments of quiet to get connected with Jesus. Ugh!

I began praying, as is my routine, before I put my feet to the floor. Today I was asking God to help me out with how I was supposed to have "quiet time" with him if there is no quiet to be found. I finished my prayer and went about my morning business. Despite the fact that it is Christmas Break and the kids are all around and I had to get my teenager moving in order to get him to his morning basketball practice, I felt God tugging at my heart to find him and connect with him. So, I got my bible and my daily devotional and you wouldn't believe what was there for me to find.

Jesus Calling, December 27 (in Jesus' voice)

I am preparing you for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend. Take time to be still in My Presence so that I can strengthen you. The busier you become, the more you need this time apart with Me. So many people think that time spent with Me is a luxury they cannot afford. As a result, they live and work in their own strength - until that becomes depleted. Then they either cry out to Me for help or turn away in bitterness.

How much better it is to walk close to Me, depending on My strength and trusting Me in every situation. If you live in this way, you will do less but accomplish far more. Your unhurried pace of living will stand out in this rush-crazed age. Some people may deem you lazy, but many more will be blessed by your peacefulness. Walk in the Light with Me, and you will reflect Me to the watching world.

"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." Isaiah 64:4

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

"For in you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." Psalm 36:9

So I guess that answers my prayers alright. It is my natural bent to be independent, like a toddler - "Do it myself." I have learned over this past year or so that I can accomplish so much more and with a more peaceful attitude when I allow God to take the lead, make him a priority in my day. So, then, why is it so easy to forget and wonder why things get off balance? Human nature I suppose. Well, I am very thankful that the Lord doesn't decide to sleep in and fit me in when it's convenient for Him to watch over me.

The next message is still coming together. I will get back to my pursuit of God's lessons on thanks soon.

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Chosen for His Purpose

Christmastime is upon us... only 6 sleeps to go (that's how we measure time for the 5 year old in our family). Are you frantic yet? Trying to get a million things done and too short of time. The lesson that keeps showing itself to me this last week and a half (please forgive my absence) is slow down. Slow down and focus on the work to be done now, right now. Stop freaking out over the ridiculous "to do" list and listen to God and what He has chosen for you in this moment.

God knows our hearts. He knows our harried schedules. He knows what's around the corner for us. He knows... well, EVERYTHING. Sadly, He even knew about the horrific tragedy out in Newtown before it happened. My prayer for God's children, that are touched personally by these great losses, is that in this most difficult and painful time that they are drawn closer to the Lord and not pushed away. This great trial is forcing these families to slow down and realize what really matters. I know this kind of loss first hand... and if you take time to hear God's voice, He will reveal Himself very powerfully with truth that will carry you for a lifetime.

This is the first year in, oh my goodness, I don't even know how long, that I didn't write a Christmas letter. Normally, the letter begins to formulate somewhere about mid-year and the theme becomes clear around Thanksgiving or so. This year I got nothin'. I kept trying to find it - but it wasn't there. Finally, over the weekend I sat down to force it out of me... it was going to be a super skinnied down list of thanks... things our family is thankful for over the past year of 2012. I started it twice... and lo and behold... the computer spontaneously shut off... twice. I took it as a sign. Surprisingly, and way out of my typical character, I did NOT loose it. I simply walked away and said to myself, "now's not the time, I guess." Then later, felt completely satisfied to skip it... yep, skip it... no letter with the photo Christmas card this year. What a weird feeling of peace. Days later, I still feel that peace... no regret, beating myself up. Seriously, we're not that interesting or important anyway... our Christmas card list of family and friends can certainly live a year without the update on what's on our crazy schedule anyway.

My point is, we tend to put much too much on our holiday plate. We really only need the basics to make a happy and memorable Christmas. God is making me aware of the necessities and what He has chosen for me to do. As I stated earlier, He knows... our hearts, our minds, our circumstances. And He knows what He has created us for - our purpose, our reason, our place in this life.

In this next verse of thanks it speaks of individuals being chosen, and designated by name, to give thanks. What an amazing calling! Their reason for being is to dedicate their lives in giving thanks to God.

"With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord, "for his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:41

I'm sure you are wondering who these men are. Heman and Jeduthun were responsible for the sounding of the trumpets and cymbals and for the playing of the other instruments for sacred song. (1 Chronicles 16:42) Wouldn't you absolutely love it if your direction were laid out as plain and simple as it is for these men? I do. I've been searching, listening, for my purpose for many years. About 12 years ago, in a dead-end job, I had an overwhelming feeling of "how am I making a difference?" by doing this job. I realized that the impact that I had on my circle of influence was very insignificant. I wanted to do more, more for God's greater good. But I had no clue how to find out what my part was. If the Lord could have come to me in a vision or dream or better yet, in person, and said, "Merrie, play the cymbals for me and give thanks, that is your job." Would I have believed it? Would I have dropped everything and done my job? Probably not. I would have been too afraid of what people would think.

This week in my Bible study I have been learning about Abram (later called Abraham) and how he followed the Lord and believed in His unseen promises. He made moves that people around him, I'm sure, thought he was absolutely out of his mind, crazy to pursue. But he had faith. Amazing faith that he later was commended for.

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." Hebrews 11:8

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1

When schedules are crazy and the "to do" list far greater than our energy, it is so easy to get lost in it all. Get all worn out. Loose our way. What I'm learning this week is to breathe, pray, listen to God's still small voice and follow his lead with what He has chosen for me to do for His greater good right now.... even if that means no Christmas letter and only one kind of cookies this year. He has plans for my time and efforts to bring joy to someones aching heart, or hope to a searching soul... the trick is, I have to pay attention and listen... and SLOW DOWN.

We are all chosen to give thanks to the Lord. He is so incredibly deserving of this worship. As you prepare your hearts and minds for Christmas, please remember to praise His greatness and be reminded that He lowered himself to become flesh, in the form of a baby, so He could relate to us, and us to Him. Please include the families of those lost in last week's shooting in your prayers and praise God for bringing those 20 babies to heaven to be in His glorious presence. Draw closer to Him in relationship, and you will have the best Christmas gift of all time!

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Saving Grace

God only gives you what He knows you can handle. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. If He brings you to it, He'll bring you through it. There are many, many more verses and sayings that we use to help us comfort those is crisis, trial or heavy burden. I get it. Christ is the key... the key to our strength and hope... the key to our joy and our peace. Today, however, I think I've uncovered more to this faith-led thinking/living when it comes to life's valleys of darkness.

In studying this next verse of thanks, I had a complete shift in my thinking about God's grace during times of trial. The lesson that I've been learning about the difficulties in life and how to "power through" them with God's strength, I feel has just met a new level of understanding.

"Cry out, 'Save us, O God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise.'" 1 Chronicles 16:35

Here, David is directing his people (through song) to cry out to the Lord for his saving grace and mercy to deliver them from the hand of their enemies (the nations). In this deliverance, that David is sure God will provide, he and his people will praise and thank God and glory in His praise.

What is your "nation"? What is the obstacle that you need God to deliver you from? What earthly thing or situation do you need to turn away from and follow God's lead? To look to God's hand of provision to see you through this next critical step? What is it? We all have something.

My new understanding is that God not only allows trials into my life, but He gives them to me as gifts. Yes gifts. He knows my heart and trusts me enough to experience difficulties or tests so that I can become a closer friend of His. Relationship with God (Himself) is the greatest gift He can give us. That is why He gave us His other greatest gift, His One and Only Son to die for our faults, our sins, our shortcomings on the cross at Calvary. Without Christ's blood we would be forever lost. Death would win and we would never, ever be in the real presence of God for eternity in heaven. Separation from God is the ultimate punishment. The worst thing that can happen to any of His children. So... by His giving me gifts of burden, trial, and pain I then turn to Him for my strength, hope and peace and He gives me a closer, deeper friendship and love.

This time of year you can't help but think about presents or gifts. Christmas is only two weeks away. The last minute shopping must be done. Gifts are great. So much fun to give and receive. But the real gift, the life changing, life saving gift, is relationship with our Creator God.

Take a few minutes to think about your life without Christ as your saving grace, your gift from God this Christmas time. Then look to heaven and give thanks for all He has done and is doing in your life... yes, even the "bad" stuff, the gifts of trial that draw you closer to God.

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Reassurance

This week I added a new commitment to my schedule. Something that I've had on my radar for many years. I have been asked to join this amazing, life changing group for women for about 5 years and I can't even begin to figure out how many times I've been invited. Excuses of many different flavors put roadblocks in my brain as to why it simply wouldn't work in my life. This week God opened the door and I walked through. I did it.

Isn't it strange how we go about getting advice, making choices, and then weighing out whether or not we feel good about the choice we've just made? Sometimes it's really small; like what to make for dinner or if one of the kids can go to a friend's house after school. There are days when you just react and don't have to think about it too hard. Other days you him and haw. Sometimes the decisions are huge; like seeking other employment or moving, or whether or not to do a certain medical treatment or surgery. We weigh out the pros and cons and seek others' advice. Some of us pray over our decisions big and small and ask for the Lord to lead us in our forward movement. Even then, after getting a "clear" confirmation on what we should do, we question the answer and where it's coming from. "Is that you, God? or am I just coming up with this on my own?" We all want reassurance that the choices we make are right, satisfying, justifiable...

While digging into this next verse from David's psalm of thanks, I found that this short simple truth is found all over God's Word. What landed in my spirit after pondering all of my cross-referencing was "reassurance." Reassurance of God's eternal love and goodness that is so worthy of our praise and thanks.

Portions of this great truth are found word for word several times throughout the Bible. I found the portion, "give thanks unto the Lord" 15 times. Likewise, I found the longer version, "O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good" 6 times. The part that says his, "love endures forever," I found 4 times.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

or the old time version that I learned as a child;

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." KJV

I don't know about you, but when I seek the Lord's voice on a matter, it seems I have to hear it at least 3 times before I realize that HE HAS SPOKEN. Am I just that dense or cautious? Or is it God's loving and gracious way of allowing me this reassurance and confirmation that He knows I need to make my next move. I prefer to see it as the later.

This verse is the same one that mom loved to hear us say along with our childhood mealtime prayer of "God is great, God is good, let us thank him for our food." - - we then went on (when mom had her way) "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." I wish I could ask her why she loved to hear us praise God like this. Was it something she was taught as a child as well? (I can't ask Grandma either, because she's in heaven too). Was it a truth she wanted to plant in our family? Or did it give her the reassurance that she needed to remind herself of God's undying love?

I see mom as very wise to "hide" this truth in our hearts... and I am so thankful to be serving a good and loving God who is and was and alway will be.

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Promises

Winter is approaching, but it sure feels like spring. As I was on my way to the first of four Christmas programs that my children will be part of this season, it was raining an April-like rain. Later in the afternoon the sun broke through the grayness and shouted, "I feel like Spring!" So contrary. So confusing. It's hard to decorate for Christmas, order Christmas cards, get in the Christmas spirit when it feels so much like April (in Minnesota). However, I LOVE Christmas and EVERYTHING about the season and especially the REASON for the season! So... April rain and spring weather or not... we're getting into the Christmas spirit.

I am so excited that after focusing on Thanksgiving, kind of the pinnacle of celebration for my blog's focus, that I get to continue on with the Lord's emphasis on thanks from His Word. And I love that His timing is perfect and this next verse flows so nicely into His greatest promise and gift of His Son, Jesus.

Let's pick up where we left off in, "An Attitude of Gratitude." I was laying the foundation for David's Psalm of Thanks. This wonderful prayer of thanksgiving is found also in Psalm 105 and allows us to see the gratitude that David is experiencing for God's faithfulness that was a fresh reality in their return to the land promised to Abraham back in Genesis.

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." 1 Chronicles 16:8.

What has He done? He has kept his promises through the generations. He has delivered His people from their enemies.

This promise of old repeats itself as we prepare our hearts for the upcoming celebration of the birth of God's own son, Jesus Christ, our deliverer and redeemer.

God's Word has a lot to say about promises. I know I am only scratching the surface with these, but here are a few examples:

In Solomon's prayer (Solomon is David's son and heir to the throne) we read the following outpouring of gratitude for the Lord's faithfulness in keeping His promises,

"Oh Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth - you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it - as it is today." 2 Chronicles 6:14-15

This verse from a psalm of praise from David,

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, all your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made." Psalm 145:13

From the writer of Hebrews in a call to persevere,

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

In Peter's letter urging believers to be prepared for the second coming of the Lord,

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise" 2 Peter 3:9a

You see, with just these few examples, God is very serious about promises, covenants, vows... if only we, sinful humans, could follow through as God does. No wonder our courts are overflowing with work to do. Promises. They simply aren't kept like they should be. How many times have you had to say, "I'm sorry, I know I promised, how can I make it up to you?" I've done it too many times. It breaks your heart when your 5 year old looks at you with their big, teary eyes and says, "But you promised". And you did. And you didn't (follow through).

I look at the promises kept that have had a major impact on my life. My parents marriage vow, "Til death parts us." That's exactly what they did. This month would have been their 50th wedding anniversary but God called mom home 3 months and 1 week before this earthly celebration could occur. Or my in-laws "in sickness and health, in good times and bad." They will celebrate 56 years at the end of the month! God bless them for their faithfulness and perseverance.

Why is it that promises don't always hold up? Why is it that sometimes they do? Deep down don't we all want to be known for our integrity... doing what we say we're going to do? So, why is it that it seems like not such a big deal any longer to fall back on our promises just because something else better comes along? Or we get distracted? Or time gets away from us? Or our priorities change? Shouldn't we be aligning our hearts and minds with our Almighty Father and following His lead... and keeping our promises? Where would we be if God got distracted or changed His priorities? It hurts to think about doesn't it?

This sinner is thankful to the point of tears for God's faithfulness in deliverance. For His mercy in allowing me second chances when I don't follow through or get distracted. However, I do so want to please Him and try harder to keep my vows and promises so I don't hurt those that I love and so I, too, can be trusted.

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Power Through

You had a restless or sleepless night for one reason or another. The day is gray, clouded over without promise of seeing even a glimpse of the sun. The first people you encounter in your day, whether it be your family members or co-workers or the clerk at the gas station are less than welcoming or encouraging - would it kill them to say "good morning" or flash you a tiny smile?. You have a heavy heart due to the next mountain of burden in your life. Your health or physical comfort are far from what you were hoping for at this point in your life and the doctors have no answers. The kitchen is a disaster because you were too wiped out to take care of it the night before - and nobody else seemed to notice the mess. You are still reeling from the pain of one of life's great disappointments. There are a multitude of reasons for being down, or grumpy, or hopeless, or depressed. Life is hard. Nobody can promise that it won't be. Plain and simple.

What I've been learning is that with a little self-discipline, God's Word, and a thread of hope I can power through those tough spots and force myself to allow God to change my day. Trust me, it's not always what I want to do. Sometimes we are comfortable in those uncomfortable shoes for some reason. Or maybe we're just too drained to try or care to make it different. However, thankfulness is the key. Once you put on that thankful attitude, even when you don't want to, God WILL provide you with a new outlook on life. He will give you His peace and reward you for your obedience with joy. Test Him. He will follow through.

Here is another of the messages on thanks that I ran across recently. This one comes, again, from my devotional, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Remember this is written in the voice of Jesus talking directly to you up close and personal.

Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience - at times, blind obedience. To people who don't know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain.

Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity.

"always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 118:1

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord." Psalm 89:15

I love Psalm 118:1. Mom always insisted that we add that verse to our dinner time prayer. I never really thought about it as a kid. Just said the words mom wanted so we could get on with the meal and fill our bellies. Looking back, now, I see that mom really believed this truth about God's enduring goodness. Why is my life so viewed in hindsight? Oh, well, at least I'm catching on. I suppose I'll just continue on with this "power through discipline" on the difficult days and perhaps I'll get a little foresight once in a while. And on the good days, giving thanks to God comes more naturally. Aren't we blessed to serve a God of such amazing grace and second chances?!

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

The Good Stuff

God works in our hearts and minds through so many different angles. I love, now that I am so much more aware of His constant presence, that He leaves me love notes all throughout my day. For example; I can get a word or message from my flip calendar, the radio, my devotional, a friend, a Sunday sermon, an email, the kids' Wednesday church programming, a blog, a phone call, a TV show or commercial, my childrens' comments and questions, of course the Bible.... you see... the list goes on and on... if only we pay attention and realize where the good stuff comes from.

I want you to know that I am not avoiding my work in pursuing thanks and sharing God's messages. I am actually having a hard time staying away from the next verses that the Lord has for us to look at.

What happened is, while praying about His messages for this week, I had a strong feeling in my spirit to share these lessons of thanks, written by others. At first, it didn't seem right, to me, to use someone else's writing in my blog. But then as I let the idea settle, I realized that God uses all kinds of "good stuff" to teach His truth to His people. Pastors do it all the time. I'm no pastor or spiritual leader, but God did tell me to teach those that want to learn about cultivating a thankful mindset how to do it. So I'm doing it. Let's call it obedience, OK?

Here is another of the messages that I ran across last week, while traveling. It comes from my daily devotional, Jesus Calling, from Thanksgiving Day (November 22). Please read this passage and imagine Jesus looking directly into your eyes and speaking these words just to you, for you:

A Thankful attitude opens windows of heaven. Spiritual blessings fall freely onto you through those openings into eternity. Moreover, as you look up with a grateful heart, you get glimpses of Glory through those windows. You cannot yet live in heaven, but you can experience foretastes of your ultimate home. Such samples of heavenly fare revive your hope. Thankfulness opens you up to these experiences, which then provide further reasons to be grateful. Thus, your path becomes an upward spiral: ever increasing in gladness.

Thankfulness is not some sort of magic formula; it is the language of Love, which enables you to communicate intimately with Me. A thankful mind-set does not entail a denial of reality with its plethora of problems. Instead, it rejoices in Me, your Savior, in the midst of trials and tribulations. I am your refuge and strength, an ever-present and well-proved help in trouble.

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Habakkuk 3:17-18

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1(amp)

That message drew me in so intimately because it made me understand a new way to feel close to my mom (who just went to heaven this fall). "Windows of heaven," "glimpses of Glory," "You cannot yet live in heaven, but you can experience foretastes of your ultimate home"... mom is already experiencing these things every moment that I am missing her. Knowing this, changing my mind-set, allows me to rejoice for her and be happy for her, instead of the alternative of feeling sorry for myself. This doesn't come naturally, I have to work on it daily. I am so grateful that Jesus loves me enough to see me through this and hold my hand while I learn.

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

He Has Been Good

This week I will (again) be stepping aside from my "march in pursuit of defining thanks" throughout the Bible. I will be reflecting and sharing the many wonderful messages that passed before my eyes and penetrated my thoughts as I was traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. They are meant for preparation for Thanksgiving, but I believe the messages apply to life in general... every day.

Our family had to separate during the holiday, due to illness. It was difficult for me... I prefer togetherness, it makes me feel safe and loved. However, we did get to celebrate God's love for us and His amazing, abundant blessings through connections with extended family and their outpouring of generosity and care for the boys and I. Family... one of God's most marvelous and loving blessings this side of Heaven!

Today's message comes from my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Leaders Online newsletter. I found it very worthy and worth passing along to you:

He Has Been Good by Sherry Surratt, MOPS CEO and President
Oh ‘tis the season. The season of cooking and shopping and insane busyness. The season when Aunt Marge comes to stay a few days too long, and I have to wash the dog hair out of the sheets because, well, I’m just fancy like that. Wouldn’t it be great to have a little something, a little anything to help us slow down a bit and infuse a little joy into our tired brains? Well, I think I’ve found it. It’s thankfulness. That pause of reflection, that moment when we stop and say ‘wow, that’s good’.

In the mornings, I stop and take a joyful moment over my coffee. Mmm, so rich and steamy. I’m positive God invented coffee beans just for me. Here’s how my thoughts go, ”God, thank you for this moment of warm, dark richness. This is good. You are good. I know you love it when I take joy in the small things and see you in the goodness. I know you love me and I love you too.”

This is what thankfulness does. It causes pause when we would otherwise zip right by, faster and faster into our crazy scheduled day. It causes us to slow down and say, ”there’s a big God out there and it’s not me.”

As leaders, this is a wildly important thing. This pause gentles us and lets God work in our hearts so we are fit to lead. It gets us back into the flow of what God wants to do in and through us, and makes us usable for him. Many times I find myself all hurried — make that phone call, talk to that person, check off that next to-do on my list — and all the while God is beckoning my heart: “Slow down Sherry. See what I have done for you. It’s good. Enjoy it.”

This Thanksgiving, would you join me for a moment to steep your soul in this verse? “But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6

Indeed, he has been good to us! Even through the sticky and difficult, he loves us so completely and sends small joys our way, things to make us smile, if we’ll only notice. He pursues us because he loves us so; he rejoices and desperately wants a daily relationship with us. He promises we won’t be alone and holds our hands through our parenting, our marriage, our leadership.

Ladies, let this be your definitive moment of thankfulness this season - for he has been good to me.

Any men out there reading this, please take no offense... MOPS is a women's group... but I believe the message applies to all of God's children.

Until tomorrow...

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

An Attitude of Gratitude

Our youth pastor preached yesterday. He was working on preparing our hearts for Thanksgiving. He used the term "Attitude of Gratitude." I like that. I think I'll be using that term more often. It was amazing how so many of his points lined up with the scriptures and concepts that the Lord has been leading me through these past weeks. Don't you just love it when you get confirmation on the ideas that are resting in your heart?!

The next verse that I'll be looking at is an introduction to several verses that belong to David's Psalm of Thanks in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36.

"That day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this psalm of thanks to the Lord:" 1 Chronicles 16:7

Just in case you're wondering, Asaph is David's chief musician and his primary instrument is the bronze cymbals. I'm just guessing here, but I think that David wrote the words and Asaph and the other musicians were responsible for setting it to music and performing it in worship before the Lord.

In these last weeks, oh, who am I kidding, in this last year... the Lord has been doing a major overhaul in my attitude. About life, faith, forgiveness, trust.... The road has been anything but easy for so many near and dear to my heart. If I were to have fallen into the evil one's trap, I would have built up a wall of bitterness and developed my own fatal condition of a hardened heart. It happens to good people every day.

Hardening of the heart is something that takes place in your spirit. It makes your heart tough and doesn't allow God's spirit, power and love to flow through. It is life threatening... just like cancer. I have suffered from this hard heart in the past. It's so consuming and heavy... debilitating even. It's happened when my pride was stronger than my faith... my self-sufficiency presided over my willingness to allow God to rule my heart, my spirit. What I've found to be the best remedy is thankfulness. Honestly. Discontent and ingratitude make our hearts hard. Trust, gratitude and praise help to soften our hearts or keep them from becoming hard in the first place.

So, how does a person do this... attitude of gratitude thing? How do you be thankful when life seems to be turning inside out and upside down? When there is crisis to your left and to your right? How? I do it by taking my focus off of myself, of the circumstances surrounding me and forcing myself to look to the one that never changes... God's character is completely consistent. It's a steady, sturdy rock when the world around us is ever changing and making us feel so unbalanced, unstable. Go to the Psalms or start right here in 1 Chronicles and begin reading about David's thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. That will give you an example, anyway, and get you started.

We can always thank God for his constancy and that He's in control of all the things that we aren't!

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

"I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together." Psalm 24:1-3

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays, is right around the corner. I love that our nation still celebrates this holiday recognizing the great blessings and provision from the hands of God. To me it seems like our politically correct view that has been trying to snuff out all things holy and connected to God or the Bible hasn't really messed with Thanksgiving for some reason. Strange. But I am so happy and thankful that this very important focus for a national holiday is still intact.

In my last post, Following Instructions, I began to explain the verse that follows. I laid out the rules and regulations put into place, directly by God, on how to go about re-locating the Ark of the Covenant. The second part of this verse is dedicated to the worship processional involved in transferring the holy chest to a new home - - "to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel".

"He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel" 1 Chronicles 16:4

Interestingly, these three actions are also the three main types of psalms: (1) lament and/or petition, (2) thanksgiving and (3) praise. I love the book of Psalms! The poetry, the raw feelings revealed by the writers, the potential for great worship, the heartfelt gratitude to God for deliverance and grace, the pure honesty of repentance... it's all in there. So comforting. So powerful. My mom's favorite verses from the Bible comes directly from the psalms... Psalm 23.... you know... "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want...."

Here's a few tid bits about psalms:  The book of Psalms is the longest book of the Bible with 150 chapters. The name Psalms is derived from the Septuagint title for the book, Psalmoi. Psalmoi is the plural of psalmos, the Greek translation of the Hebrew word mizmor, meaning "song." The Hebrew title for the book is tehillim, the plural of tehillah, meaning "song of praise."

I love music! I'm not a musician by nature. I have tried to play and sing. Mediocre at best. But I love, love, LOVE to listen to music. Contemporary Christian is my most favorite genre for sure. There is just something about music that speaks directly to your soul. You can be rock solid fine and a song comes on and instantly you are in a different place... many times I become a puddle of tears with goose bumps all over my body. I feel it connects my spirit directly to God's and I can right then and there be in His holy presence. Psalms are songs. Songs of praise and thanksgiving. In our theme verse this time King David is directing his people to give God the praise and thanks He is due.

DaySpring Devotions sent me this story of the history of Thanksgiving. I really like the words from our great president, Abraham Lincoln. You see... this wonderful holiday had it's beginnings with giving credit where credit is due... to God, the Ruler of the Universe, for His goodness.

After enduring religious persecution in their native England and for twelve years in Holland, the pilgrims sailed for America. They were modest men and women with a great hope and inward zeal. They rested in the providence of God that He was leading them to a land of religious freedom to advance the gospel of the kingdom of Christ.

The voyage of the Mayflower took twice as long as Christopher Columbus' voyage, enduring several wintry storms. After arriving in their new land, they faced disease, famine, bitter cold and many dangers. However, when the Mayflower made its return voyage, none of the pilgrims returned with it.

Their first harvest occurred in the autumn of 1621. Their own seed had barely grown, but the Indians had shown them how to plant corn which yielded a huge harvest. On the first Thanksgiving, they celebrated God's goodness to them with a party of ninety Indians. Their Thanksgiving feast lasted three days and included a festival of sports.

Thanksgiving Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln

"Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby appoint and set apart the last Thursday in November next as a day which I desire to be observed by all my fellow-citizens, wherever they may be then, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the Universe. And I do further recommend to my fellow-citizens aforesaid, that on the occasion they do reverently humble themselves in the dust, and from thence offer up penitent and fervent prayers and supplications to the great Disposer of events for a return of the inestimable blessings of peace, union, and harmony throughout the land which it has pleased Him to assign as a dwelling-place for ourselves and for our posterity throughout all generations."

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving... be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4

In the next few days, as you prepare your heart, your home and your stomach for Thanksgiving, remember to include God. Take some time to think and reflect on the last year and the blessings you have received. Consider the large and small details of God's hand at work in your life... and bless our Almighty Father with thanksgiving and praise for the things He has done.

"O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things" Isaiah 25:1

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Following Instructions

"All the way, right away, and with a happy heart." This is a statement that us MOPS moms learned years ago in a study on discipline. It is how we were supposed to direct our children to obey our commands. This direction comes back to mind when I think about our next verse with the "thanks" theme. This time I'll be focusing on the background preceding this verse. Next time I will focus more on the details of the worship highlighted in the verse.

"He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel" 1 Chronicles 16:4

In the Christian scope, when we are studying child discipline, we pattern much of what is taught on basic Biblical truths taught throughout God's Word. We look to God's example of how He expected His children (of Israel) to follow His commands. When commands are not followed properly, there are consequences. In the Biblical text, many times the consequences are rather harsh. The story that precedes and plays into the above verse has these such harsh consequences from the hand of God.

The "He" is King David. He is appointing "Levites" or priests to take care of moving the "ark of the Lord" or the Arc of the Covenant, to it's new home that he had prepared for it. This very fancy chest contained items considered holy: the gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff, and the stone tablets of the covenant (the Ten Commandments). This ark was kept in the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. God was very specific with His instructions as to how the ark was to be handled and by whom.

In the following verse (in Exodus) the words are God's words spoken directly to Moses while he was up on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights to receive instructions concerning the tabernacle and its furnishings.

"Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. Then make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the chest to carry it. The poles are to remain in the rings of this ark; they are not to be removed." Exodus 25:12-15

"No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the Lord chose them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister before him forever." 1 Chronicles 15:2

The problem, here, is these instructions were not carried out in this specific way the previous time the ark was moved. They put it on a "new cart" to move it to its destination. In moving it, the oxen stumbled and one of the priests, Uzzah, steadied the ark with his hand. The ark was not to be touched. This angered God and he struck him down and he died there before God. Harsh.

The verse we are focusing on is the next time King David is having the ark moved. He is making sure he follows the Lord's commands... "All the way, right away, and with a happy heart". David so wanted to please God and receive His blessings rather than anger Him and suffer the consequences of his wrath.

Obviously God doesn't expect us to "strike down" our children when they disobey. But we are to use appropriate discipline. In the same way, when we are disobedient to God's laws and ways or even man's laws there are consequences. We speed while driving, we get pulled over, we get a ticket and a fine to pay. Our child complains when told to do their chores, they get a time out or a favorite privilege taken away (screen time).

We all need direction and discipline in some form or another. I think that God is most pleased when we look to Him for our directions... pray to Him and ask His advice on how to handle our dilemmas or even simple details of our days. I believe when we involve Him in our details, he is pleased and He blesses us. I am so thankful that God is a God of tender mercy, second chances and unending love. I am also very thankful that Jesus gave his blood and his life to cover my sins so that God's wrath of the Old Testament doesn't "strike me down" when I don't follow instructions so good the first time.

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Focusing Closer and Much Further Out

This week is a week of trials and difficulties. Dear friends that I love, and consider as sisters, are struggling with burdens so huge that they break my heart. My emotions are also raw because yesterday was the two month anniversary of my mom's trip to heaven... and I miss her. I know she's doing amazing... but I still miss her. These are real life weights, tests of sorts, that challenge my ability to stay focused on being, at all times, thankful to my God. I can just picture the evil one rubbing his nasty hands together plodding his next move to try to steal my hope. My faith.

 

I am a Minnesotan. Most of my life my address has held the "MN" for the state in which I reside. This has never really bothered me... even when the Twins (that my mom and grandma, and now my son, so love(d) to root for) or the Vikes are not on their best game. In fact, I'm happy to be a mid-westerner and known as "Minnesota Nice." However, I am not at all proud of the recent statement made by the voters to disregard the definition that God tells us in the Bible of what marriage looks like. I have to believe that our almighty shed a tear when He saw how little the family means to the folks in this state that I live in.

 

You may be saying, "Whoa... wait a minute... I thought she was supposed to be telling us about how to not get sucked into vast negativity and poor me, pity party attitudes." I know, I sound like a Debbie Downer here... give me a minute or two.

 

In this post I am going to step away from my current pursuit with King David and his reign... I'll get back to that next time. The message that the Lord has put on my heart just came together for me after this very heavy, emotional week of looking to Him for my strength, answers and direction for prayer.

 

I am very blessed to have wonderful godly women in my life. I have friends and mentors through my church and various groups that I am in and have been a part of in the past. Relationships have been established, and these loving, caring and safe arms have held me and prayed along side me in my most difficult days. When I have a hard time seeing the light, I look to God, prayer, my Bible and resources. When I'm still struggling to find my way... I look to these amazing friends.

 

When burdens become too heavy for me to carry alone, I reach out for support. I have learned over the years that I don't have to do this life independently. I look inside myself, at my heart, see where I'm lacking and begin my search for healing. When I identify the feeling, hurt or worry that is dragging me down then I am able to take the microscope off of myself and get out the telescope and look heavenward for God's wisdom, mercy, grace and love. Sometimes it's easy and the Lord speaks directly to my heart and gives me instant peace. Sometimes it takes more time and I get a word from my Bible reading, a Christian song (I keep my XM station on contemporary Christian), an encouraging email, or straight from one of those wonderful women I was telling you about. God sure does work in the most mysterious ways.

 

In my devotional today there was the best word picture for releasing your worries.

 

Sit quietly with Me, letting all your fears and worries bubble up to the surface of your consciousness. There, in the Light of My Presence, the bubbles pop and disappear. From Jesus Calling.

 

This gave me the ability to visualize, actually picture myself blowing soap bubbles with my fears, worries, and burdened cares inside of the bubbles. Then, looking up to Jesus, releasing them to His Presence. Peace.

 

Following are some of the verses that came to me this week through various forms. They have each made a new point of how close God really is and that my focus must never slip away from trusting that He knows what He's doing. He's in control... even when I feel so out of control, weak or helpless. And that He allowed these burdens into my life for a reason, sifted them through His very own hands. That I have a purpose in all of this... He's gifted me with blessings that I, too, must share to offer grace to a hurting world.

 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

 

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

 

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Our One True Leader

If you'll recall, in my last post Bad Parenting, I mentioned how King David "was filled with joy and it overflowed into songs of thanksgiving and praise... see the book of Psalms." - well, we don't have to go much further into the very same book, 2 Samuel, to see this outpouring of thanks by David.

"Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name." 2 Samuel 22:50 KJV

It is written in the NIV "Therefore I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations: I will sing praises to your name."

I take my "thank" references from the King James Version of the Bible since I'm not a Bible scholar and I have close to zero knowledge of the Hebrew and Greek languages, I will use the closest thing I have to the original text. It seems that the word thanks is often replaced in the NIV with the word praise. It makes complete sense to me seeing as when we are thankful we typically want to praise what/whom we are thankful for. Or we should anyway.

I find it interesting and timely that the NIV's phrase "among the nations" is written as "among the heathen" in the KJV. I had to go to my Webster's Dictionary to get the actual definition of heathen:  an unconverted member of a people or nation that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible.

Here in the USA we all know what today is. You'd have to be absent of most of your senses not to. It's Election Day 2012. I don't want to get into politics here at all... honestly, I am quite tired of the incredibly rude behavior that has been put in front of us these last months. What it all boils down to in my little world is that God is in control regardless of what today's race brings.

I am so incredibly thankful that ultimately God will reign over all. And those of us that call Him our Father and accept the gracious offer to follow His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior from sin, death and the devil, will get to experience the new world in heaven some day.

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Bad Parenting

I believe that each and every word that is recorded in our Christian Holy book, the Bible, was purposely and directly placed into the hearts and minds of the authors of this priceless connection that we are blessed to possess by none other than God himself. Therefore, I will not overlook a single occurrence of this intimate link to our Heavenly Father's heart... thanks. In my pursuit to understand God's own heart (through His inspired Word) and His depth, meaning, and weight of thanksgiving and praise - I have uncovered an interesting story from way, way back. This story is about King David and his relationships with his sons.

King David was truly blessed by God. However, he too was a flawed and sinful human - as we all are. David's sins were recorded to be read and studied throughout the ages. Due to his failures and faults, David held much guilt and remorse. This guilt appears to get in the way of his duties as ruler and, more intimately, as a father.

You see, King David let his lust take him over which caused him to sin the immoral shame of adultery which then led him, further, to murder. So when his two oldest sons were then found in the same sins - Absalom killed his older half-brother, Amnon, for raping his sister, Tamar - he avoided punishing them and holding them accountable due to his own guilt. It also put a distance between the king and his remaining heir to the throne and it grieved him greatly.

King David had a very loyal servant, Joab (David's nephew and commander of his army), who couldn't bear to see his king in distress and likely wanted to see resolve to prevent the future struggle for the throne. So Joab set up a scheme to get King David to bring his son, Absalom, home and restore their relationship. When his plan moved ahead as he had hoped, Joab did the following:

"And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, Today thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant." 2 Samuel 14:22

King David failed at many things and one of them was parenting. This is a subject that certainly holds my interest, seeing as I am fully in the midst of this important job - raising children. I take my position very seriously and my husband and I are trying our best to discipline the kids appropriately. We want them to know that there are consequences when lines are crossed. Do we get it right every time? Nope. Does that keep us from trying better the next time? Of course not. I'm not saying that we're any better than David. Certainly not. What David did understand, perhaps better than anyone, is the grace and forgiveness of God. He repented his sins directly to His Lord and received God's perfect mercy. Over and over. He then was filled with joy and it overflowed into songs of thanksgiving and praise... see the book of Psalms. Was David a good parent? Not very. Did that make him any less valuable to God? No, thank goodness.

I am thankful for this account in the biblical text to show me that God's mercy flows freely even to those (and especially) that don't seem to deserve it. I don't deserve anything from God... but that doesn't keep him for blessing me daily. For this I am continually thankful! And I am absolutely relieved and thankful that my blunders are not recorded and published for all to see (like David's). :)

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Moving with the Spirit

A message has been formulating over the past few days to go along with the next occurrence of "thank" in the Bible. I'll be revealing that very soon. But today, I have to side-track my plan to forge ahead from front to back (of the Bible)... move away from my natural bent to keep the order in things. This is not an easy thing for me to do. I'm rather stubborn in that way... keeping order. I suppose it makes me feel in control of my world. Today I will move with the spirit within me to share a true story.

I have this very close friend. When we began to hang out, she was at home with toddler triplets and a 7 year old daughter that she was homeschooling. I was a mother of 3, but two of mine were in the public school for 8 hours of the day. My world looked a bit more "orderly" than hers. We seemed to be drawn together because of the old saying, "opposites attract". We joked that she was a personality type Z and I was an A and if we hung out long enough maybe we'd become an M. She had a desire for a bit more organization in her life and I a longing to loosen up a bit. Sounds good right? Well, our plan did take hold to some extent.

This friend of mine has been battling the nasty "c" word for close to two years. She has fought and won some of these fights. It hasn't been an easy road. Not too many breaks. Her life has been scheduled around surgeries, recoveries, and treatments. With a goal for "normal life" in sight... the cancer has claimed her body once again. She is a faithful fighter. Her hope is in Jesus and eternal life in heaven. I stand strong by her side in this hope. We are looking for a miracle. Nothing short.

The news of the three new tumors came to me last evening. For some reason this one hit me harder than the rest. I wrestled with sleeplessness. In my awakenings, I kept hearing the same scripture address over and over throughout the night. Psalm 95:2. Psalm 95:2.

"Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."

To many of you this may sound completely unrelated. Ridiculous even. Why on earth would you be singing praises when your sister-friend's life is threatened once again? Yeah, it does seem odd. But, the thing is... it once again lines up perfectly with the theme that the Lord has been revealing to me over the course of this year of trials. "Give thanks and praise, even in the worst of the storms, and I will give you peace."

Peace we need. Mercy we desire. A miracle we beg for. Thanks I'll give for the hope we have in all of these through our faith in Christ Jesus.

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Don't Be In Such A Hurry

Ever since my last post, "Finding Peace and Joy", I've been feeling this tugging to come back to it. Back to the verse, "When you sacrifice a thank offering to the Lord, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf." Lev 22:29 It's the part about acceptable to the Lord that's been gnawing at my spirit.

I have to be honest, I lumped those two verses together, not just because they were very similar in nature, (dealing with the meat of the offering and how it had to be handled) but so I could be done with them. With the whole Fellowship Offering and Leviticus deal. I wanted to move on. See what was ahead in this mission to share what God says about thanks in His Word. Wow! Did I learn me a lesson! I asked for your prayers that I share God's messages and that I wouldn't get in the way of it. "Oh, ye (me) of little faith.... " I think I've just been disciplined by my Almighty Father. He has been gentle and kind... but He is a tenacious one, I'll tell ya.

So, we'll be looking at acceptable offerings then. What lands in my spirit when I think about this in today's worship is how we worship. What it looks like to us. What it looks like to God. What distracts us from really truly turning our hearts over and trusting Him. Now-a-days we no longer have to be worried about how old a calf, lamb or goat is, how long it's been with it's mother, on what day we slaughter them, and how quickly they are consumed once they've been offered. Thank goodness, right?! But what God does want from us now is our devotion; personal and in gathering (worship/church).

Last year my life was very different than this year. My life was, in a way, put on hold. Mom was sick, so I made a vow to be with her as much as possible to help out and simply spend precious time with the woman who birthed me, loved me and raised me to be who I am today. That year was very precious for countless reasons... but one of the biggest lessons that I learned was to put my needs, mom's life, my family's care in God's hands. By doing this I had to learn to "get with Him" on a daily basis. I've tried this many times in the past and I've always failed and faltered. I never stuck with it. Sure I prayed. I read my Bible on and off. I attended church. But not consistently, daily, finding my special time to "talk it over" with God. I've always heard of and met some of these people that took their "quiet time" seriously and made it a priority and they couldn't live without their daily dose of Jesus. I never got it... really... until last year. He "carried me," as mom often said, through the most difficult times. Now that the really hard part is done and mom is safely in His ever-lovin' arms, I still crave my special time with Jesus. You know.... like you crave, NEED, that first cup of coffee in the morning. If you skip it, you end up wondering why you're feeling off or you have this nagging headache. Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. That kind of need. I finally got it... I NEED JESUS. Every day. I know it sounds crazy to some of you that I just figured this out. But it's true. The thing is though, I had to slow down to realize it. God made me slow down for mom's sake... I had to.

Now this year is super different. Mom is in heaven. My kids are all gone to school from 7:35 - 3:23. I have this new flexibility, so I thought, this freedom... Well, guess what? It gets found out and assumed that this "free time" must be filled with activity. Let's all get in a big 'ol hurry. Right? I have been working on protecting this new portion of quiet in my life for the last month and a half. When people mourn many times they fill their lives with being busy... I suppose so they don't have to think about their loved one and be sad about their absence. I decided after all of mom's details were completed that I was going to do the opposite. I wanted to feel the loss. I wanted to cry and miss her. I wanted to think about what we had just been through. I wanted to think over the lessons that I had learned. I wanted to hold ever so tightly to Jesus' hand and feel His comfort and peace. I wanted to cry with Him... tears of joy and sadness... together.

Recently a bunch of balls have been thrown my way. Opportunities of great interest. Personal bits and pieces that would look great in my life... oh, and I have time. I got to juggling these ideas around and looking at the pretty balls and how nice they would be tossing around in my life. How others would see me and think, "oh, what good things she's doing with her time." Ahhh... and there lies the trap. What others think. Oh, it can be a crafty one. It's one of the big traps at church. Why do we go in the first place? Do we go to satisfy ourselves or others? Do we go because it's the right thing to do? Do we want others to look at us and see what a good person we are? Do we go because it's a good place to lick our wounds after a tough week livin' in the world? Do we go for personal agenda? Or to set an example for our kids? Why? Why do we go to church?

Whatever the picture you have of church in your mind, set it aside for a minute and consider God's image (of church). I found that the Greek word ekklesia, or church, comes from two roots: ek, meaning "out of" and kaleo, meaning "to call." In 1 Peter 2:9 it says the church is called out to be "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God", and that its purpose is to declare God's praises. In Acts 2:42 it tells us about the early church and their mission to worship God, encourage one another and share God's love with the world, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." We belong to God. He created us for His good pleasure. He loves each one of us as His own precious child. What He wants from us is for us to love Him back. To get to know Him personally. To honestly worship Him together as a chosen people, a holy nation... in church.

So, today, are our sacrifices (mostly of time and devotion) worthy to God? Are they honest, pure and unpretentious? Are the acceptable to the Lord? Mine haven't always been. I think I've illustrated (at the start of this very post) how I just blew it this week. God is worthy. Are we?

In this life there are countless things to worship and give thanksgiving praises to God for. It's not an issue of what to be thankful for.... though our vision sure can be clouded at times by the trials and trouble of this world. If you are having difficulty finding things to thank God for... ya know what? You can ask Him to reveal those blessings to you. You can. And He will. Give it time. Don't rush. Be ready to be quiet and listen after you pray your honest prayer. God doesn't mind if you unload your worries, concerns, and even flat out complaints with Him. Actually, he much prefers that you unload on Him rather than your mate, your friend, your neighbor, or anyone that will listen.

Over the last couple of days I have learned a lesson from God that I am thankful for... "Child, don't be in such a hurry.... I have more to share."

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b

Finding Peace and Joy

Today I am going to share the last two verses in Leviticus that include a form of the word "thank." They both deal with the Thank Offering or the Fellowship Offering that I have been digging into in the last several posts.

Leviticus 7:15 and 22:29

"The meat of his fellowship offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day it is offered; he must leave none of it till morning."

"When you sacrifice a thank offering to the Lord, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf."

First, I'm going to answer the question of "Why do they have to eat it all in one day?" Then I will dig in deeper and tie this in with peace and joy.

All meat had to be eaten promptly - on the same day. One reason may have been that in Canaan meat spoiled quickly and thus became ceremonially impure and it was not then perfect or acceptable to God. The whole idea in the first place was to become more like God and work towards purity and holiness.

In looking deeper into the details of this fellowship offering of thanksgiving, I found out more about why someone would pursue this. Personal reasons that would drive an individual to worship in this way. Two basic ideas are included in this offering: peace and fellowship. The traditional translation is "peace offering," a name that comes from the Hebrew word for the offering, which in turn is related to the Hebrew word shalom, meaning "peace" or "wholeness." Thus the offering perhaps symbolized peace between God and his people as well as the inward peace that resulted. Fellowship was involved because the offerer, on the basis of the sacrifice, had fellowship with God and with the priest.

Peace. We all crave peace. As for fellowship or relationship... we have a deep need for fellowship with God. He made us that way. I've heard it described many times over the years as "we were created with a God-shaped hole in our hearts." We try and try to fill that hole with all kinds of earthly things but the only way to find true satisfaction, to satisfy the craving, is to fill it with a relationship with God. Nothing else fits the shape. Nothing. The peace comes when that hole is filled with that relationship of our loving creator, God.

Yesterday as I read my daily devotional in Jesus Calling, I was overwhelmed with a need to share what I learned that morning. What God filled me with was spilling over and had to be spread around. A bit later I was on my way to my mother's meeting, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). I just assumed that God wanted me to get up in front of the group and share the same devotional and the scripture that backed it up. Well, I am learning how to follow God's lead and quietly follow His instructions. Trust me, this is a process and I am in the infant learning stages. But, I'm trying.

Anyway, as it was, God did not actually want for me to share his words, he wanted me to show his love, share His peace. I have been a part of this amazing group for 10 years. Do I still need the twice a month break from my babies for refreshment and renewal of the two hour meeting? No, not really. So this year, since I am showing up without children (my youngest is in Kindergarten - so I come hands free), I've decided, along with another MOPS mom in her final year, to be flexible and fill in where necessary. Well, yesterday I was asked to help out in the nursery. There were 6 babies and 1 volunteer caregiver... that ratio just doesn't work when they are all awake, learning to crawl and walk, and most are struggling with separation anxiety.

So, my job was not to take a break, but to provide the break for 6 other moms. This is the volunteer service that my mom did once a month for 4 straight years. Since she now lives in heaven, I was honored to take her place in the nursery. Was it my first choice? No. Was it easy? Absolutely not. But... was it a blessing? For sure. Would I have rather shared my devotional and scripture readings with the (much younger than I) group than spend hours trying to comfort babies? Yes. But, the fact is, God prepared my heart and directed my ways... and the amazing part is... I listened and heard and followed. I had asked God to use me (for what I thought - to deliver a message) that morning. He did... and it brought peace for some frazzled moms and it brought me joy. Yes, joy. I held babies and smelled their baby smell and listened to their baby sounds and some new little words... "ma ma" and "baaa" (ball). I watched as they interacted with each other, I read them books and I rocked them in my lap. Baby fix. Ahhh... that sweet baby fix. I had no idea that I was craving that fix. Then seeing the moms return after a couple of hours of "me time" all smiles... well, I totally understand why my mom enjoyed it so much. It brought her joy.

Fellowship with God brings us peace. When we have peace we can share it with others, which in turn brings us joy. And that my friends, is truly something to be thankful for.

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b