Once is not enough

 I recently visited a different church for Sunday morning worship. They sang a song I was unfamiliar with … but I loved the chorus. The first time around I struggled with the tune / rhythm. The second time around, I listened to the words; the third - finally, really saying / singing the words – and then making an emotional connection to the words: Love you so much, Jesus, love you so much. It sank right into my heart.

It reminded me of reading the same thing over and over again in the Bible. I know that many people put great store in reading the Bible cover to cover. And indeed, that is a good thing. But I’ve been reading the same chapter (Matthew 6) over and over and I have to tell you it’s been a very educational process. The first few times through, I found a rhythm to what Jesus was saying. Then I pushed myself through the “this is boring” , and started really “listening” to the words He spoke – with different phrases jumping out at me on different days. Then I started making emotional connections to His words… messages from that passage that would remind me how to respond in life; and the gracious character of God.

I think it’s profitable to slow down and really dig in. To try to look at the same thing from different angles; different days; different moods. And sometimes not be so quick to move on. I think many of us have experienced reading a familiar bible passage and picking up something “new” we didn’t see before… I believe this is God-honoring. I believe it deepens your understanding of God and Who He is. I encourage you to try – embrace the Word of God, love the Word of God, and do not let "Him" go....

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. – Matt. 7:24

·        It’s okay to be in one place for awhile…

·        Stop, look and listen – are all honorable things to do…

·        Love you so much, love you so much

 

Anticipation... takes time

 I’m so excited about getting a free e-card program added to this website! It is under construction as we “speak”! Seems like I had the idea a long time ago. Finally acted on it and found someone to build it for me. And he’s working steadily on it for sure. But sometimes, when it feels like their should be more progress, I am reminded of all the technical, behind-the-scenes work being done – you know, that complicated stuff we are clueless about – that’s why we have someone else doing it. A lot of ins and outs in making sure buttons connect correctly to where you want to go, and of course making sure information stays safe and secure. I am trusting him to understand and to know how…

It reminds me of God working in our lives. Maybe He’s given you a vision of the purpose in your life; or a purpose, goal. And you see the end result in your mind. But why is it taking so long to get there? Well, because maybe God is working behind-the-scenes on the complicated stuff. The stuff we are clueless about. Maybe He’s making sure all the right connections get made and making sure we stay safe and secure. We need to trust Him to understand and to know how…

·        God’s knowledge is perfect.

·         God’s timing is perfect.

·         God’s love is perfect.

 

 

 

 

Anger Management... me?

Just got back from a family road trip. We spent a lot of time in the car driving. Taking turns driving. On busy highways. Through rain. Up and down mountains. And through a couple heated retorts back and forth, depending on who was driving and who was navigating. I’m sure you can relate. Heat, traffic, tension, tiredness, hunger… can all play a role in how patient or impatient we are with one another. Now, when you’re together in a car for many hours, getting upset and angry a time or two is almost a given. But, staying upset and angry is a choice. And I learned it’s just not worth it to stay mad. It ruins the trip, my head and stomach ache, I get distracted… and our vacation starts being filled with bad memories instead of happy ones.

There was another occurrence in a restaurant when communication broke down. And there we sat, nobody talking. And I resolved to find out what I could do to repair whatever damage. Say I’m sorry. Ask for clarification to better understand the other person. But let’s move on and get back to having a nice time.

Now I realize these examples may represent little spats that are just a part of life. But can the same idea apply to more serious “heartfelt” injuries?  Can we ask the other party what can possibly be done to repair the relationship? Can we choose to attempt to make some amends? Or, if the lines of communication will not open, at least practice having some peace about it –  instead of holding onto anger for days, weeks, months, longer. Because the longer it festers inside, the more beauty and pleasantness of life you lose.  Can we talk ourselves into choosing, “I’m not going to be all mad and upset about this any longer. I’m not going to bad-mouth this person or speak negatively about this situation anymore.”  Make peace. Move forward. And not let it suck the life out of life.

Trust that God Almighty knows and cares. And that He never ceases to amaze us with what He can do.

·        God loves every one of us

·        Never lose hope

·        Love… keeps no record of wrongs

I talk to myself

 I’ve been doing some reading lately on this “self-talk” thing – you know, what you say to yourself about your self. What I’m learning is that your brain does not know the difference between truths and lies. It just sorts the input by topic and draws from the well when needed. For example, if I tell myself every day that I hate to exercise, when it’s time to exercise, my brain goes to the file drawer and pulls out a message. And guess what? All that’s in there is “I hate to exercise” and I will live accordingly. Groaning and moaning all the way to the gym (unless I succeeded in talking myself out of going). But if I start telling myself, “I don’t mind exercising at all! In fact, I enjoy it!”… well, my brain doesn’t know I don’t really feel that way… and with each passing day that I say that to myself, the chances increase that my brain will pull that from the file drawer and I will live according to that message. Positive thought messages will become my new default. What an amazing concept!

Will it really work? Well, I think it’s worth a try. What kind of truths would you like to add to your “self” vocabulary?  “I am satisfied with just one cookie.” “I am a pretty darn good cook.” “I am well organized.” “I forgive and forget.” “I am self-controlled.” “I am a patient person.” “I’m very capable of getting this size of project done.” “I am very capable of learning new things.”

Is there someone in your life whose character you would like to emulate? Or, maybe you just need to create a list of some characteristics you wish would be more dominant in your lifestyle…

Start talking nice, and strong, and able… to yourself!

·        “I can do this!”

·        “I know how to live a well balanced life.”

·        “ I trust God with my life every day.”

 

 

Especially for You

 I remember a friend telling me awhile back, this friend who suffers from pain everyday, that there are mornings when she really does not want to expend the energy and experience the pain to even get out of bed. Then she imagines Satan saying, “Drat! She’s up again!”… and it’s enough to motivate her to take that first step.

Don’t give up. Ever. I understand taking a break. Rest a bit if you need to… but keep your heart and your focus up ahead. Then get back up, brush yourself off, and start again.

Remember a past success – even a long ago success. (I won a drawing contest in the sixth grade; a high school teacher used a poem I wrote as a great example to the class). Maybe you didn't pick up a candy bar while in the check-out line (for once!)... these are all building blocks to getting you to where you want to be. Don't discount any one of them. Count them up and remember... you have successes in your life.

Rejoice in the steps; don’t wait for the final end result to celebrate. My niece loves to celebrate for all kinds of reasons. It makes daily living especially nice. Daily. Living.

·        You’re doing it! Woo hoo!

·        You’re making strides. Good for you!

·        You’re headed in the right direction. Awesome…

 

 

 

Look for that common thread

 Whether you’re gathered together with some friends on a summer afternoon, or just sitting around watching the evening news, you can find some hot topics for discussion. Some people think like you do. And some do not. Isn’t it aggravating when you can’t make someone see things your way? Yet that is the way of life. No matter where you go, some people will agree passionately with you; others will passionately disagree. It can be as simple as how strong to make coffee. It can be as complex as gay marriage. But the end result is always the same… some people believe as you do and some do not.

Does that mean we keep making divisions in our world, our lives – because there is some disagreement? Do we really want to keep “splintering” our community apart until we’re left all alone? Because, I bet we don’t perfectly agree on everything with any one person.

Let’s be more tolerant of each other, eh? One or two differences in a person does not “ruin” the whole person. That person probably has a dozen other agreeable, wonderful traits. You don’t have to like everything about a person. And you can probably find something about a person to like – if you really look. (note: the same holds true for yourself – you don’t have to like everything about yourself, but there are some agreeable characteristics about you. It’s the first step to loving neighbor as yourself)

I remember a quote from an old Ziggy cartoon: Be nice to people. Not because they deserve it, but because that’s the kind of person you are.

Find something to love about the people around you today. Okay?

·        You have been an inspiration to me

·        Thanks for all your help

·        I appreciate your involvement

 

 

 

 

 

Sticks and stones

 Many of us are familiar with that old childhood rhyme… “but words can never hurt me.” But that’s not exactly true, is it? Words can hurt. But I’m willing to bet that often times, those words weren’t meant to hurt… someone either just blurted out a passing thought, or didn’t really think through how the message would be received. Whatever the motive, do I get angry, retaliate, tell someone, tell God?

Sometimes, I dwell too long on those words and give them power to ruin my day. Once I think through the hurtful words, and I get past being angry at the other person, and start praying… I am led to confess that I am seeking the love and acceptance of others. I want to be heard by people. Liked by people.  When I am hurt by words, it’s because people did not acknowledge what I want them to see in me. Too much me, myself, and I? Prayer is always the best way to go.

I seek the peace and safety of Your wings. Thank You that You want me to stand up tall and live and that I shouldn’t let anyone’s comments or words put me in a long-term crouching position. They are just words. Words out of control. The truth of God’s love for me is ramrod firm – a forever staff that supports my standing, upright body. Words can hurt - but God’s Word can overcome, overpower them. Know God’s Word. Know His deep, rich, forever faithful love. God is for you. God is on your side. God’s love for you is real. God’s face shines upon you. God smiles at you. God has your picture in His wallet. God is good.

God hears me. God sees me. God knows my heart and that’s enough. It’s enough. God understands. God has my back. It’s all I need. People don’t need to acknowledge my presence or affirm my contributions. God knows. He knows.

I pray for all those who have altered their lifestyle because someone said some hurtful thing. Whether it’s not going to church anymore or not eating in the lunch / break room anymore. It’s a sad, sad thing when a person isolates themselves because of someone else’s opinionated words.

·        I’m sorry…

·        Forgive, forgive, forgive

·        Trust that God will right the wrongs in life