Life Goals

Rather than new years resolutions, I've decided to set and work toward life goals - but only with the Lord's help can I attain them.

1. To love well.
   
2. To be a blessing to others.
   
3. To be present in each moment and see the joy that can be found.
   
4. To be humble and contrite in spirit and tremble at His word (Isa 66:2)
   
5. Rejoice, pray and give thanks.
   
6. To increase my capacity for faith, joy and love.
   
7. Eucharisteo.
   
8. To be generous with my life.
   
9. To see difficulties as blessings in disguise.
   
10. To see disappointments as opportunities for growth.
    
11. To become fearless.
    
12. To practice extravagant worship.
    

On Ducks and Disagreements

I have to say that all the uproar about Phil and A&E concerns me a bit. This has become what seems to be a line in the sand, and while I support Phil – there just seems to be so many other lines that deserve more attention. There are always consequences to our actions, and when you take a stand someone is going to disagree. In this instance, what bother me most is that the left is tolerant of every view point EXCEPT those that disagree with them.

If someone chooses to be practice same sex sex – and it is a choice, rather you're born that way or not – you.have.a.choice. If you choose this life style there are consequences. I don't think any less of someone who make this choice, but I do believe that this is outside of God's will. He still loves them but their choice causes a separation.

We are all sinner's in need of a savior and we are called to love one another – this doesn't mean everyone gets to do whatever they want or that I have to agree with them. It is God's part to judge the hearts of men. He has given us certain guidelines to help in discerning what is His will and what is not.

As a follower of Jesus, I believe the Bible provides those guidelines. It is the standard I use. If someone else chooses another standard – it's their choice and as long as their choice doesn't prevent me from following my choice – I'm basically okay with that.

But I'm not okay when I'm forced to accept something that contradicts my beliefs and here in America, we still have the right to express our beliefs . . . at least we use to.

As I see it, Phil has that right. A & E also has that right. If the gay community is offended, well so are a lot of folks who are called homophobic because they don't agree with that life style.

Just some thoughts.

The bread of adversity and the water of affliction (Isa 30:20-21)

ABBA, Forgive me for my grumbling heart and cause me to rejoice in You Who is my anchor in the storms, my refuge and my strength. Life is hard and I see so many whose lives are touched by pain and suffering. Yet those who know You are not overcome but have learned to walk through the fire, knowing You are with them, their provision and their strength; their constant Companion. The trials are only temporary and become opportunities to draw closer and closer to You. They teach us that we can rely upon, cling to and find rest in You.


It's a day by day journey, sometimes moment by moment and I don't always make the right choices. I try and do it on my own, in my own strength and in the way I want to go . . . until I can't go on. And there You are, always present, always loving and forgiving my wayward heart, my stubborn will. 

Oh ABBA, I so wish we could skip the hard parts and simply always abide in the center of Your will. I know this is and has always been Your plan and that gives me hope, knowing that You will complete what You have begun; that Your plans and purposes will be accomplished because You are God and have chosen me to be Your child. I will not fear the storms. You take the bread of adversity and the water of affliction and turn them into a feast of joy, peace and abundance. So, I will not fear the storms for I have put my trust in You.

Cardinals

Father, sitting here watching a little male cardinal at the feeder and wondering how do his feathers know to not grow on his beak, or to suddenly change from the black that frames his beak to the brilliant red that covers his body? 

Because that was your design for him, just as You have a design for me. Yet unlike the cardinal, I have a choice in how that design will manifest itself. Father, through the presence of Your Holy Spirit in me, cause me to cooperate with You, so that Your design for me will be realized completely as You intended.

My Land/my LORD

My Land (my Lord)

Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. (Psa 37:3)

Reading this morning, I came across this verse and it spoke to me of dwelling in Jesus, and His dwelling in me. There's a Celtic Thunder song (see above) – My Land, and when I hear it - in my heart and mind I insert my “Lord” in place of my “land” and so this verse makes that connection for me – of dwelling in Him and of a future filled His presence and His mantle wrapped around me. The chorus of the song is:

Oh, you are the song ever singing in me,
And you are the heart ever true:
For, you are my land (Lord) and you always will be,
The voice ever calling me… home to you.

He is that voice ever calling and the voice I love to hear.

Joy

Just an ordinary day

My favorite scene from the Passion was the scene with Jesus and His mother. Actually I must confess I had my eyes closed during most of the movie – it was just too graphic for me – but this scene impacted me on so many levels. I've come to know such a joy in my life because of my relationship with Jesus and I believe there was a joy in Him when He lived among us. This scene captures this for me. So often He is pictured as this somber and serious man and I'm confident there were times when this was true. But I can't help but believe that during the daily routines of life, He was filled with a joy that would have been quite evident. I picture Him sitting around a campfire with His disciples, discussing the day, teaching them, loving them and being loved by them, sharing in a sweet fellowship reminiscent of the garden, so long ago. Knowing them and being known by them. He knew everything about them – even better than they knew themselves . . . and He loved them and in that love there was joy. It overwhelms me to think that that same joy comes in my relationship with Him now. Not only that I find such joy in Him . . . but that He might also find joy in me and in everyone who calls upon His name.

It's simple, really . . .

Abba, create in me a pure heart and a steadfast spirit so that I may please You, honor You - for I seek to know You in each and every moment of the day. Which path to follow – and yet I believe when we are truly seeking You that You make Yourself available to be found – no matter which path we take. The desire to “see Your face” comes from You and if You have created that desire within me, then I know it will be fulfilled. I have only to trust You, to rest in You and witness Your transforming power – do what needs to be done in me. It's simple really, even a child can do it – and it is child-like faith that opens our eyes to see and our hearts to receive. Oh the joy, the sweet contentment of just being in Your presence.