Uncategorized – Page 2 – Deep Thoughts & Little Happenings

May 28, 2020May 28, 2020

The Nail Police

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” Matthew 7:12a (NLT)

George calls me the “Nail Police” because I always pick up nails and screws when we are out and about. My response is always the same.

“Well, since I don’t want one in my tire, I pick them up so nobody else gets one in their tire.”

It’s my version of today’s verse, aka the Golden Rule.

The thing is, I’ve run across this verse several times in the last few weeks and I’m also beginning to see it implied in other verses.

For instance, the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). Paul reminds us love does no wrong to others (Romans 13:8-10).

I’ve been rolling this around in my head, and a new understanding of how to live it out is emerging.

Look at the verse again. “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” This verse doesn’t tell me to think about doing. It says to DO.

I’m often guilty of thinking about the good thing I ought to do but never actually doing it. Yes, I’m to use Holy Spirit discernment so I don’t enable others or hinder them from doing what is theirs to do, but…

When I know something is the right thing to do and I do not do it, it is sin (James 4:17). And pretending I don’t know the right thing to do is too.

I’m also learning to recognize partiality in my doing. Look at today’s verse one more time. “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”

It’s just like when I’m picking up nails. Anyone driving that way benefits.

We are not to show favoritism in our obedience to the LORD’s instructions (Malachi 2:9). God shows no favoritism (Acts 10:34 & Romans 2:11).

Now, for the hard part of this going deeper lesson. I need to practice doing the right thing in every circumstance with everyone.

LORD, thank You for showing me more of Your perspective on a verse I’ve known a long time. Help me as I learn to put action to my compassion, and do not allow me to play favorites. Where I am not willing, I ask you to make me willing.

And LORD, for those reading this today, please surround them with Your presence. Protect them from harm. Provide for their every need. Enable them to walk in Holy Spirit power. And fill them with Your peace as they delight in You and do whatever it is You have for them to do today. Thank You! Amen.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

May 14, 2020May 14, 2020

Out of Control…

Those who control their tongue will have a long life;
opening your mouth can ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3 (NLT)

The LORD has used this time of sheltering in place to show me I need to do a better job of controlling my thought life. My grandma used to say, “A still tongue is in a wise head.” How right she was!

Have you ever said something you wish you hadn’t.

I have!

The verse I’m using today speaks directly to the results of speaking without thinking. But I think it speaks to something much deeper. I find when I speak words I would like to take back, it’s because I was thinking those things.

In fact, I was thinking and thinking and thinking those things. Sometimes for days and days and days. Then out they pop. They’re in the atmosphere and impossible to retrieve.

Relationships are dinged up and in need of repair and healing. It’s a total mess and all because I didn’t keep my thoughts on the things of the Spirit. Instead, I focused on the things of the flesh and found myself wallowing in regret.

Yes, I can follow the instructions in 1st John 1:9 to confess my sin and be forgiven and cleansed. I can claim the promise of Romans 8:1 of no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

But in the end, the words are spoken and the wounds are real. Grief follows for all involved because there is a loss of what was. Why?

There are a multitude of reasons, but some of mine are:

Pride

Insecurity

Jealousy

Fear

Fatigue

Anxiety

And did I mention Pride? Too often I find myself thinking I know best. Ugh! No wonder Proverbs 16:18 reminds us of the destruction of pride.

Ephesians 4:29 tells us to use words that build up and give grace to those who hear them.

I definitely want my words to give grace instead of ruin.

LORD, forgive me when I don’t trust You enough to keep my mouth shut. Help me pay better attention to my thought life. Give me wisdom and understanding for those times I need to speak, and discernment and discipline for the times I need to keep my mouth shut.

And LORD, thank You for each one reading this today. I ask a special blessing on their lives. Give them a word of encouragement. Help them control their thoughts and words so they will not find themselves in a place of regret. Thank You. Amen.

May 7, 2020May 7, 2020

Afterward…

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NLT)

We live in a world of instant. Instant gratification and little effort. In some things, instant works. But in others, instant gratification means living a life of compromise and missing out on the benefits.

Afterward is used in today’s verse, and it reminds me instant gratification is not my goal.

Afterward means there is a lapse of time between where I am now and what I will receive. Afterward means waiting.

If you’re like me, even the word wait calls up feelings of idleness when we want to be doing. I envision a waiting room at the hospital or doctor’s office.

A few years ago, the LORD gave me a perspective change when our pastor at the time asked, “What do you call someone who waits?”

Answer? One who waits; a waiter or waitress.

How’s that for a perspective changer? No more sitting and twiddling our thumbs. Waiting is active!

What does today’s verse tell me will happen between now and when I receive my reward?

I will be tested and tempted! And I’m to go through the testing and temptation with patient endurance!

Our youngest granddaughter once told me she learned patience is waiting with a happy heart.

Waiting and patience collided in my mind when I read today’s verse. I am to serve the LORD with a happy heart and not be concerned with my reward. It will come, but that cannot be my focus or I will fail each test and succumb to the temptations of my day.

I’ve been reminded I cannot wait well without a steadfast focus on the ONE I’m waiting on. I must be attentive to the LORD and what He asks of me. Otherwise, I will trade the instant gratification of this world for the reward He has for me. That would be a very sorry trade indeed!

LORD, thank You for this reminder to keep You and not my reward as my focus. Please keep me focused on You as I wait, so I will pass each test and resist every temptation with patient endurance and a happy heart.

And LORD, for those reading this, surround them with Your presence. Enable them to see their value in Your kingdom. Cause their hearts to be filled with Your joy as they wait on You this day. May every test and temptation seem small as they live this day happily serving You and trusting their reward will come, afterward. Amen.

April 30, 2020April 30, 2020

Goodbyes

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29b (NLT)

Yesterday brought a nice surprise. I was included in George’s retirement telecom, and I got to hear his co-workers share their memories of George and how he had impacted their lives over the years.

You know, I was struck by how similar it was to what happens when someone dies. Yes, I’m sure Daddy’s recent death has made it easier for me to see this, but really!

People do the same when someone dies. Except they’re telling the loved ones all those things instead of the person who touched them.

So, I’m thinking about goodbyes and wondering why it is we wait to tell the people in our lives the different ways they touch us. Is it because we don’t stop to think about it until they’re leaving or gone?

Do we not even notice the gift of their lives until they’re no longer a part of our life?

So today, I’m wondering who it is I’m neglecting to appreciate? Who in my life is a blessing I’m not noticing? Who do I need to give my thanks for their influence in my life? And how can I tell them today?

And what about tomorrow and the next day and the next? I want to practice saying these types of words right in the middle of living life. I want to notice the gift of blessing people are in my life and I want to practice telling them. Who knows how this may encourage them?

LORD, thank You for the people who surround me each day. Help me see them and apprecite them. Help me speak words that bless them as they bless me. Allow me to be an encouragement with my words.

And LORD, for those reading this today, thank You for each of them. Thank You for the people You’ve given them. Help them see the blessing of people in their lives and tell those people right in the middle of the living.

April 23, 2020April 23, 2020

Words…

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

To encourage is to give courage.

To give courage, our words must be both good and helpful.

Who are we to encourage?

Those who hear our words.

I’ve always taken this to mean even those who are not even a part of our conversation but are within hearing of our words.

Okay, why am I pulling this thread?

In recent week’s, we’ve been ordered to shelter-in-place for the purpose of stopping the spread of Covid-19.

Wow! I’ve been amazed by the controversy.

I’ve also been sad to hear all the reports of increased domestic violence during this time.

Why are people hurting the very people they’re supposed to love? I’m guessing there are a couple of base level reasons.

1-life feels scary and/or out of control, and

2-aggressive words and behavior give them a feeling of control

Of course, we all know abuse is not control.

Self-control is the ultimate control.

Jesus-followers have an advantage when it comes to self-control. It’s been given to us in full measure.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

What’s the catch? We must take the self-control given to us and use it! And…

We practice, practice, practice using our self-control every single day of our lives!

My old piano teacher used to say, “Practice makes perfect when you practice right.”

So, although I’m not abusive with my words or deeds, I am asking myself what kind of word usage I’m practicing.

Where are my thoughts? I need to know the answer, because my words and actions will soon follow the direction of my thoughts.

LORD, thank You for giving me everything I need to successfully live the full and abundant life You created me to live. Help me be intentional about my thoughts, so my words will bless all those who hear them. I ask alongside David…

May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

And, LORD, for those reading this today, I ask You to surround them with Your presence, power, protection, provision, and peace. May they see evidence of You this day. May they know You are there and really do care about them. Amen.

April 16, 2020April 16, 2020

Pictures of Jesus

You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

Momma got a card from one of her sisters and showed it to me. It included two photo copies along with a one dollar bill, a dime, and a picture of Momma.

Aunt Cherry sent one to each of her sisters. Turns out, Aunt Cherry was given Grandma’s purse, but she never had the heart to open it until now.

There were seven one dollar bills and seven coins in her wallet. There are seven girls, so Aunt Cherry sent a dollar and a coin to each sister and kept one for herself.

The photo copies were of two different pictures of Jesus. One included a plan of salvation along with Grandma’s signature. The other included a reminder to look to Jesus for all your needs. You could tell from the photo copies that the pictures had been handled often and were ragged along the edges.

Today’s verse is a verse Grandma shared with me years ago when I was a young mother and struggled going to sleep at night. She told me if I would look at Jesus instead of my problems, I would remember who He is and how much bigger He is than anything I’m struggling with or any circumstance I’m facing.

You know, she was right! I began to name the characteristics of God when I went to bed each evening and would quickly drift off to sleep. I was once again able to be like a little child. I was no longer trying to carry the weight of His responsibility or wield His control over others or my circumstances.

Grandma is in heaven with her Jesus now, but she lived a beautiful life here. She was an amazing Grandma and I’m so very thankful for her influence in my life. It’s a lasting legacy I want to pass on to my sweet grandchildren!

Our God is bigger and stronger than anything we will face. He is sovereign. He is good. He is loving, righteous, and just. He is merciful and compassionate, faithful and trustworthy. He will never leave or forsake us. And He is unchanging in all His ways!

LORD, thank You for being who You are. Please help us to see You more clearly. Give us the desire to know You more intimately. And teach us to follow You more closely. Thank You for being You! Thank You for being bigger than anything we may face this day. Amen.

April 9, 2020April 9, 2020

Rest in the Transition

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

As Momma and I were doing our lateral raises (therapy exercises) yesterday, Momma talked about the times we used to watch the butterflies dry their wings and prepare for flight. She compared the slow movement of our outstretched arms to the movement of those fresh from the chrysalis butterflies.

Her comparison reminded me of what I learned while doing research for last year’s butterfly posts. I’ve always heard about the struggle of the chrysalis, but I found out there is rest in the chrysalis.

I’ve also heard how the butterfly has to fight it’s way out. Again, it’s not so. The chrysalis cracks open and allows the butterfly to begin the process of opening and drying its wings.

It’s a tedious and yet beautiful time as the butterfly slowly moves it wings up and down repeatedly. When its wings are totally dry, it flies away free and is no longer confined to the ground.

Easter is upon us and Jesus-followers are remembering what Jesus did for us and the freedom of new life in Him.

“Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NLT)

There doesn’t have to be struggle in the transition, because the LORD brings the transformation of our lives. He does the work of making us those new creations.

LORD, thank You for the full and abundant life You paid such a high price to give me. Teach me to agree with You, so I will live the life You’ve given me to the fullest degree and with Your joy.

And LORD, for all those reading this today, I ask Your added blessing on them. Help them to willingly submit to You and Your ways for them. No struggle, but complete surrender and perfect peace! Amen.

April 2, 2020April 2, 2020

The Three T’s of Trusting

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NLT)

I’ve lived long enough to learn troubles are a place of testing and reveal my places of temptation.

I’ve also learned trouble grows endurance and endurance brings benefit (James 1:2-4).

Testing reveals who or what I love most (Deuteronomy 8:2 & 13:3, Hebrews 11:17 & James 1:12).

Temptation comes from my own desires (James 1:13-14).

Jesus understands my temptation during times of testing and He provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:12 & 13 & Hebrews 2:18 & 4:15).

I’ve learned, the hard way, I must recognize my need for help or I won’t take His way.

I want to develop a new way of viewing troubles and hardship. I’m practicing. I take my troubles to Jesus and ask for His perspective. He’s teaching me to see the opportunities to experience the joy of loving Him through my choices (Matthew 22:37-39 & John 15:10-12).

And I want to embrace the growing pains of endurance and receive all the benefits promised to those who endure (Romans 5:3-4, Hebrews 6:12 & 10:36, & James 1:4 & 12).

LORD, thank You for always being with me. Grow my love for You, so I will joyfully embrace every opportunity to choose Your ways over mine. May Your joy be my strength, Jesus. May others desire to know You because they’ve seen You in me.

And LORD, please show Your love in a very tangible way to each one reading this today. Reveal their opportunities to experience the joy of knowing, loving, and trusting You in every trouble, test, and temptation. Amen.

March 12, 2020March 12, 2020

Going Home

“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” 2nd Corinthians 5:1 (NLT)

My sweet daddy went home to be with the LORD early this morning. And even though I’ve cried buckets of tears, I’m so pleased for Daddy.

I have no words, so I’m going to include a link to a song everyone loved hearing Daddy sing back before COPD robbed him of his breath. Its words are an expression of Daddy’s life. Loving worship!

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=How+Great+Thou+Art+Carrie+Underwood+Lyrics&&view=detail&mid=CCDD493F7723C2C83C04CCDD493F7723C2C83C04&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DHow%2BGreat%2BThou%2BArt%2BCarrie%2BUnderwood%2BLyrics%26FORM%3DVDMHRS

I imagine he’ll soon be singing in Heaven’s choir with healed lungs and a face radiant with the joy that comes from being with Jesus.

Happy Homegoing Daddy! I love you to the moon and back!!!

February 6, 2020February 5, 2020

When the Heat is On…

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)

While making granola for George last week, I got to thinking about coconut oil and how it needs to be heated before it will blend well with the other ingredients in a recipe.

I’m like coconut oil sometimes. My heart and mind are too firm to wrap around what the LORD has for me; He has to allow the heat of life to soften me up.

Like when George enlisted in the Navy. It was 1990 and we’d been married thirteen years. We’d always done everything together and suddenly he was away more than he was home. He had boot camp, “A” schools, “C” schools, and deployments. Our children were in second and third grade when George enlisted and middle schoolers before his first shore duty in 1995. He missed almost every holiday, birthday, and anniversary. I was living the life of a “sea widow” and overwhelmed by all the changes and added responsibilities.

I was a hot mess! A messy blob of goo and ready to run wherever Jesus led. I needed His help and was desperate for His answers on how to survive another day. I read and reread my Bible. I prayed before reading; begging Holy Spirit to help me understand the message, and the heart of the One who inspired them.

As I read about all the things the LORD did for His people and how He responded to their choices, my understanding of His character grew. My relationship with the Jesus who saved me from my sin was developing into something much more personal and intense. He was heating things up and changing the look and feel of my everyday life. I was learning to seek and follow Jesus. Day by day and choice by choice He was showing me the way to live a life of joy and peace.

My life was being literally transformed by the renewing of my mind. I was slowly becoming a whole new me, but without losing any of the qualities that are uniquely me.

Wow! Who knew melting coconut oil to make granola would trigger such a sweet reminder of God’s grace? Now every time I pull coconut oil from the pantry, I’ll be reminded to embrace the heat of life as a place of softening. God’s place of teaching and equipping me. A place where He demonstrates His great love!

What about you? What has the LORD used to soften you? What was the blessing?