Cups of Cold Water

A SWEET DELIVERY

It was an “ordinary day” when I headed out for my morning walk. We were living in Arizona at the time. It was in the middle of December, and my morning walks were refreshing, cool and enjoyable, as opposed to the hotter seasons.

I’d often see others out walking, but this day, I was alone (with my little Papillon dog) hustling her four legs in an excited pace. It seemed like she was anticipating a surprise of some kind. The only surprise I was on the lookout for was an appearance of a coyote. They roam our area often, so we carry a whistle and keep a keen observation at all times.

About half a mile from home, it seemed something caught my eye that appeared in the middle of an intersection I was approaching. The closer I got; it was apparent that someone had ACCIDENTALLY dropped a “gift-wrapped” box in this location.

Who would do such a thing? After all, it was an area where cars would pass by. But as I thought more about it, in our area there were more golf carts travelling up and down the streets in the neighborhood than cars. So, putting two and two together, I assumed someone had this gift box on the seat of their golf cart and when they turned the corner, the box slipped off the seat onto the street.

Well, at least I thought that might be the cause. Then again, people do pull pranks. As I came closer, I crossed the street and sure enough there in the middle of the intersection was a gift-wrapped box of Belgian chocolates.

The obvious owner never realized his loss of chocolates in time. I couldn’t just let this nicely wrapped box remain there, could I? And, there was no one there to inquire about its owner.

Another obvious concern was that even though it was December, the sun was blazing its glory on this box, so it needed to be removed before things got messy. I guess you could say I was now in charge of “damage control.”

It’s beautifully wrapped! What a wonderful variety of chocolates, dark and milk chocolates in all sorts of designs. At least that’s what the photo and card on the outside of the package said. WHAT A GIFT!

Well, the truth of the situation is that the Lord directs our steps and He was delighting me with a very “sweet surprise.”

I took ownership and headed home (I didn’t want the chocolates to melt). The wrapping was inviting me to partake of a sample taste. But before I could begin the “grand opening,” the Lord reminded me of someone who could use some “sweet encouragement.”

As this individual came to mind, my first thought was: “Would they enjoy Belgium chocolates? Are you kidding, who wouldn’t. So, I placed them in a safe place, the refrigerator, (as apposed to my mouth) as a holding tank for these delights.

The following day I “gifted the chocolates” to a hard-working yard maintenance man. He was delighted, to say the least. And no, I didn’t tell him where the box came from. Those details could remain anonymous.

Soon afterwards, I got to thinking…..what if they weren’t really chocolates. What if they were a gag gift and filled with something not-so-nice. Oh my, the receiver of the box thought it was a gift from me. So much for my “damage control.”

Well, it was a gift from me all right, but I wasn’t the original purchaser of this product. How in the world am I going to know if this was going to be a disaster or delight.

The following week, the answer came. The maintenance man approaching me with a big smile on his face, so I could begin to breathe easier.

This anonymous “gift giver” was pleased to pass along the chocolates to a well-deserving person; but next time, I think I’ll open the box first…to make certain the candy is authentic. Don’t you think that’s the appropriate way to handle it?

And yes, the photo is authentic!

ENCOURAGEMENT IN BOTH DIRECTIONS

Have you ever looked at something, say a book, and found yourself moving it forward to get a better, clearer view? Well, we can just imagine what age bracket you might be entering or residing in. A few years ago, my husband and I found that our eyes were changing. We’d gone through the “accordion view of things” (moving things inward and outward for a more focused view).

After a few weeks of very tiny observation, I bit the bullet and made an eye appointment. As I was sitting in the waiting room, I noticed a rather large sign on the wall. It was a caricature of a little boy that obviously had just put on his first pair of glasses. It read as follows:

DEAR GOD,

I CAN SEE YOU MUCH BETTER

WITH MY NEW GLASSES

I chuckled to myself and came to the conclusion I was in the right office, waiting for the right doctor. I wasn’t seeing things as clearly as they really were. And, new glasses weren’t going to be the answer to my dilemma. Even though I appreciated the conclusions from the eye doctor, she informed me that I needed to see a “new friend,” an OPHTHALMOLOGIST. That’s pronounced phonetically: op thal molo gist !

A few years had passed and it was now time to “see” what else might be required to help “bring things into focus” for me. As a couple, my husband suggested I go first (how thoughtful of him) and see how things go, and he would follow suit.

A highly recommended ophthalmologist’s name was given to me and an appointment was made. As I entered the waiting room for my first appointment, there were no cute little signs as before. The staff were pleasant and very accommodating. I was ushered into a room with about four machines. This event seemed more strategic than the regular eye doctor.

Tests were done and the physician came in and announced that in order to have a more unencumbered view of things, it would require having cataract surgery on both eyes. It didn’t take me long to agree with this specialist. After all, he not only had all the equipment to prove the point, but the paper evidence of his degrees of education to back up his findings.

Cutting this story to the point: an appointment for my first surgery was made. This surgery was performed in Arizona. I was informed that I would require a ride home. That seemed obvious, so my husband accompanied me as far as the waiting room.

This surgeon had a surgical clinic that resembled a hospital setting with beds, nurses and anesthesiologists and the like. When my name was called, they escorted me to a private little setting with curtains adjacent to the portable gurney. I could tell it was portable due to the wheels at the bottom.

Yes, there I was getting “cozy posy” with a nice warm blanket. The blanket wasn’t provided because it was a cool setting; I think it was to calm a patients’ nerves…. (and it worked). They took my blood pressure and announced that the surgeon and “nite nite doctor” will stop by soon to go over the procedure. One felt as though they were the only patient…..but actually we were all “bedded down” with selected times for each person’s procedure and separated only by a thin cloth wall. Actually, if you were outside my curtain area, each patient was lined up like ducks waiting to enter the pond.

Every aspect of the appointment was SPECTACULAR. Any apprehension one may have felt was soon removed. The ophthalmologist was personable, caring and very thorough in every way. Soon after his exit, the “nite nite” doctor entered my temporary abode. He too assured me that he would be looking after me with regards to my “not remembering anything.” (I liked that part!)

About thirty minutes later, the nurse and anesthesiologist came to accompany me (on the gurney) to my new destination. I never remember arriving, so I think he released the “nite nite” liquid en route to the operating room.

Everything went well and in six weeks, I was back to have the other eye attended to. Just to note, that my husband then felt very comfortable in having both of his eyes attended to removing his cataracts. Wasn’t that a great idea of “his” to have me go first??!!

Now, to the point of my story. I was so relieved and impressed by the attention to detail this doctor took with my surgery that I wrote a detailed letter to him to thank him for his exemplary work. Yes, I know it was “his job,” but don’t we all feel valued and encouraged when someone takes the time and effort to express gratitude “on paper.” I thought that was the end of that journey with the physician.

Two weeks later, the OPHTHALMOLOGIST WROTE ME BACK.

Here was his “hand-written” note to me.

Dear Dianne,

Thank you so much for your incredible thank you letter!

I am so thrilled you are doing so well with your surgery!

I aim to achieve this with each and everyone of my patients!

Regardless of a person’s occupation, each and every one welcomes and values a “thank you” note of appreciation for their work. I don’t think it would be a bad idea to carry with us in our purse or car, thank you notes to “distribute freely as necessary.” You may “make someone’s day!” Or……”their month!”

Oh, that we might thank the Lord Jesus often for our own eye sight. Many people have never had the privilege of being able to see, or have lost their eye-sight and would give anything to see again. Whether we have full vision, partial vision or lost vision, God would yearn for us to “see and perceive” with our “inner vision” His work in and around our lives. Our physical eyes aren’t the only vision God has allowed us to have.

PAVLOVA WITH A PURPOSE

Have you ever heard of a “pavlova?” It’s a delicious dessert of meringue, cream and fruit on the top. It’s a dessert I enjoy making and eating. Whenever we have friends over, I’ll often serve this as a special treat for them.

The appetite and craving for this dessert began years ago when I first visited my mother and father-in-law in New Zealand. My husband and I had only married a year and due to the expense of travel, his parents did not physically attend our wedding. So, we decided we’d wait a year and visit them in their home in New Zealand.

This culture has morning tea and afternoon tea. Due to the fact that we desired to meet many of my husband’s friends, we were often invited to peoples’ homes and, amongst other food delights, we were served “pavlova.” The dessert actually originated in this country; although many Australians claim the title.

It is a light dessert to eat, but consuming it as often as we did for six weeks, I gained more from that trip than anticipated. Let’s just say that my hips accelerated to one larger size in slacks.

Now, back to my story. We were recently invited by a friend to his home to join other friends for one of his spectacular dinners. He’s a chef-in-hiding! I inquired if I could bring the dessert. Our host accepted with gratitude.

This particular pavlova would be a style of presentation that I had only read about, but never endeavoured to make it. It was two layers, separated by cream and thinly-sliced peaches. In all honesty, I was hesitant to “try it out” on these folks due to the fact that it can flatten when moved.

But how was I to know it could work, if I didn’t give it a try. So, I made the pav the day before and left it in the cooled oven. The evening of our get-together, I packed the two layers of meringues in a box, ever-so-carefully, and off we drove to the home of the gathering.

My continued thought en-route, was if we hit a pot hole on a street, it’s all over! But all was well and our “dessert gift” was gingerly carried into our friend’s home.

Most of the guests had already arrived and were seated in the living room. After our depositing the “delicate dessert,” we proceeded to the living room to join the others. There was a couple there that we had never met, plus a lovely woman who were all at the other end of the room. It seemed awkward to exchange conversation across the distance, so I waited for a closer and more intimate chat when we were all seated at the dining room table.

Most everyone there felt very comfortable in the exchange of conversation; and it seemed that when one person ceased their comments, another person picked up the oxygen and carried on with their thoughts. Laughter abounded.

There was one woman who seemed quieter than the others. As we were all seated, it was obvious that she and the host complimented the serving of the rest of us. She and he worked together seamlessly in the kitchen. You’d have thought they did this thousands of times.

The host was a single man who had asked a friend to join him in hosting the evening and helping serve the large group of friends. This woman was soft-spoken and seemed to smile effortlessly as he and her served and removed the volume of spectacular cuisine coming out of his kitchen.

There was no end to the topics of conversation being exchanged at the table. An hour or so later, it was dessert time. I removed myself from the table and went to the kitchen to “piece and plate” this pavlova.

In all honesty, I just wasn’t confident about pulling it all together. I had actually prayed beforehand and asked Jesus to calm me and just help me do my best.

I can’t help but insert a verse of care and encouragement.

Psalm 37:23 “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in EVERY DETAIL OF THEIR LIVES.”

This verse supports the idea of showing that God is aware of our experiences, even our tears and fears, and works all things together for our good and His good purposes.

The bottom layer of meringue was all in one piece. Success! Just before my attempt to smother the layer with whipped cream and thinly sliced peaches on top, the “answer to my prayer” entered the kitchen! It was Donna. She just quietly appeared and began verbally encouraging me. The second challenge of the evening for me was to take two spatulas and try and lift the smaller top layer onto the cream plastered over the main layer. Its delicacy was like lifting broken glass and attempting to move it to another location.

I was nervous up to this point, but the moment she began encouraging me, my heart was calm and my mind was quietly fixed on transferring this top layer onto the larger one. One would have thought that having someone that I had never met enter the room and stand next to me would have increased my anxiety. IT DIDN’T. I’ll tell you why – because her calm and caring words brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

Donna stayed with me the entire fifteen minutes of dressing that dessert with the arrangement of cream, peach slices and passion fruit pulp drizzled on top. WHAT A BLESSING HER PRESENCE was to me.

God prompted Donna to leave the dining room table and join “Mrs. Fix that PAV.” It was as though Jesus “came near to the situation;” and He used her words and presence to give me calm and confidence, all at the same time.

And no………this isn’t the end of the story. The pavlova was “cut and consumed,” but that wasn’t the end of interfacing with Miss Donna.

As the dining event was closing, the women came into the kitchen to sort of tidy up and chat together. There were four of us in total, but only three of us were in focused conversation.

After a few minutes, I noticed that Donna was remaining somewhat distant in relation to where the three of us were standing and not necessarily “in the loop” with our verbal interaction.

I glanced over to her and invited her with my eyes to join in with the rest of us. Soon after, she was sharing her thoughts with all of us. As she paused for a moment, I addressed her personally and shared with her what an “encourager” she was to me in the “adventures of the dessert.” I looked into her eyes and enthusiastically shared how God used her specifically to show me His care through one of His kids!

She seemed surprised, yet I feel secretly delighted that God used her upbeat and tender words of encouragement to me when I was “collaborating the cream” for the pavlova.

It was Donna’s willingness to “come alongside me” when she heard that I was a bit nervous about the coming together of those fragile ingredients.

You never know who you’re going to meet when coming together with others…friends and strangers. God used a “pavlova” to introduce me to a caring woman who may just have needed some “encouraging ingredients” delicately introduced to her heart.

Thanks Donna, for your tender and meaningful entry to my life.

AN EARLY MORNING BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

Good morning! I think that’s an appropriate start to this sweet story. Were you aware that God gives us “clues” on how and who to choose as friends.

Proverbs 12:26 “The righteous should choose his friends carefully.”

There are two beautiful people God designed for my friendship many years ago. They are Carolyn and Ann. They are both enjoying Jesus and the joys, luxuries and delights of heaven….and, I MISS THEM BOTH.

Anne just recently graduated to her “forever home;” and in my sadness and memory of her, I thought this was a perfect time to share about the “creativity and sharing ways” of these two beautiful friends. Together, they were “Creative Characters!” You’d need to rise very early in your plans and pursuits to get ahead of these women.

To bring you into the scene, it was about 7:00 a.m. on the morning of April 22^nd of one particular year of my birth. (Trust me, I’m over 30!)

I was adorned in my pajamas, transporting my being from the bedroom, down the hall, to the kitchen. For some unknown reason, I glanced my waking eyes outward to the front of the house through the window at the front door.

It was early morning, I’ll admit, but the scenic bustle of commotion on our front lawn was mind-boggling. I kept blinking in disbelief thinking I was having a real-life dream and hadn’t woken up quite yet.

Here’s the scene for your scrutiny as well. There was a card table being man-handled by these two gals…attempting to set it in position. Then, flapping through the air, was a tablecloth. I ran to the window to get a closer look. I had to make certain I wasn’t half-asleep and sleep-walking.

No, these two were on a definite mission on our front lawn. Once I realized this wasn’t a dream….it was two adorable, crazy-eyed, loving pranksters having the time of their lives in an attempt to surprise me on the morning of my birthday.

It was a full-blown party in formulation! Plates were quickly being arranged, tea cups, juice glasses, utensils and centerpiece of flowers were all carefully setting up for the surprise.

YEP………they more than surprised me. I grabbed my nightgown and moved to the front door. Upon opening the door and stepping out, they broke into the HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG at the top of their lungs.

We all began to laugh uncontrollably. They were dressed for the occasion, but I attended like I was invited to a “Come as You Are Party.” I had everything covered, except my house-slippers. We laughed and giggled all the way to the table.

May I share too that this table ensemble wasn’t close to the house. NO….it was in the middle of the FRONT yard where anyone and everyone passing by would recognize the “breakfast event.”

At first, I wondered what in the world the neighbors would think. Then, I regained perspective and momentive with my thoughts. “WHO CARES WHAT THEY THINK!” They must have been brought to hilarious laughter and a realization that these three crazy women were enjoying each other in such a fun way. I’m surprised some didn’t pull over in their car and want to join us.

Well, friendships are wonderful, aren’t they. And I couldn’t be more pleased to have had such two delightful people show their love for me in such a creative, caring and conspicuous way.

Thank you Lord Jesus for allowing me the privilege of knowing and love them back.

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times.”

OUR WORDS !

This year the Lord has continually brought the following verses & phrases to my life. They are becoming a real “compass” to my words and walk. May I share them with you?

I’m finding these verses a good road map….

James 1:19 “Let every man be quick to listen but slow to use his tongue, and slow to lose his temper.” Isn’t it true, that we need to guard our hearts and place a “stop sign” on our tongue before stepping on the accelerator of our lips.

James 2:12 “Whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of LOVE.”

Proverbs 15:28 “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer.” Goodness, that means I must “think” about the effectiveness of my words.

Proverbs 18:20 “From the fruit of their lips people are filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. This metaphorically describes how our words have consequences, both positive and negative. Just as a farmer reaps a harvest from his crops, we reap the results of what we say.

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

YOUR MOUTH IS THE MICROPHONE…..YOUR HEART IS THE PLAYLIST (J. John, evangelist)

OUR WORDS ARE EITHER A “CONSTRUCTION ZONE” OR A DEMOLITION SITE

PS: I’m placing this on the mirror in my bathroom & next to my computer screen. I think we’re all candidates for God’s “Creative Class of Communication.” Or, am I all alone??

A TIME TO SING

Hello! I’m a Song Sparrow & do I have a story for you!

Hi! I couldn’t allow the day to pass without sharing about a “new feathered friend” that adorned our yard. She had been there for several weeks and I never heard her sing. You know why? Because even though I puttered around in our little flower garden almost daily, I never quieted myself long enough to “hear her” wee voice.

This particular day I was weary. I mean “really tired” both emotionally and physically. My body and soul announced….”Today is going to be your day of REST.”

My husband prepared a big delight, an “iced latte.” And then, I gave myself permission (do you need to do that too, in your life?) to sit under the umbrella and just rest.

And if you’re taking notes, I remained in that position for at least two (2) hours. So, if you feel you need to do that, just call or write, and I’ll grant that request to encourage you to rest your mind, soul, heart and body!!

It doesn’t cost much at all, but it does require a “personal and committed decision” to stop whatever you’re doing, or feel you need to do, and SIT STILL, BE STILL, THINK STILL.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God;”

This verse encourages stillness!

Have you ever taken the time to rehearse this verse slowly? Let me bring you along to this “restful moment.” Say aloud….

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know that.

Be still and know.

Be still and….

Be still

That simple exercise brings calmness and gives full release of anxiety. You and I are not really in charge of life…………GOD IS! In His love and grace, He issues not only our daily bread, but our daily BREATH!

Well, back to the patio and the iced latte. If you were here, I’d share one with you. We had a very busy and delightful week of having friends stay in our home. I love that! However, after the adrenaline calms down from enthusiasm of enjoying people and making meals; I sensed the real need to just go slow and relax.

We have a little fountain that we brought back to Canada when we moved from Arizona. I had turned on this quiet “entertainment” media and just sat on the patio chair.

It took me about fifteen minutes or so to begin to wind down. Then, it happened. A tiny Song Sparrow appeared on the top of the fountain, which was only 1 yard (meter)away from me. I looked up at her, and she looked down at me. Right after our eyes met, she began her “musical repertoire” of her species.

I felt as though I was in attendance of a “feathered symphony.” This little female sang off and on for TWO HOURS. She’d drink and bathe from the water in the fountain several times, but she continued to hover all around me with her song.

A very heart-felt emotion just came over me. My eyes were filled with tears and I felt as though my heart and soul were leaping for joy. It “dawned” on me that this delicate bird was sent by my Savior to serenade me with her joyful song. God gifted Song Sparrows with a melodic song, and she was exercising her giftedness from Him. And I was the recipient of this two-hour solo symphony.

Proverbs 3:5 & 6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding; but in ALL YOUR WAYS, ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, and He will DIRECT YOUR PATH.”

Yes, He directs our individual path. That includes our “starts” and “stops.” And on this afternoon, my steps were stopped…………….so I could “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8

Quietly, I wondered to myself, why hadn’t I ever heard her or seen her before??

Reason: I hadn’t quieted myself long enough to see and hear her.

Couldn’t that be why we don’t hear and see God more in our daily living? We often adopt the “activity addiction” of the world: talking too much, listening less, checking our cell phones for texts that we simply can’t miss, over-concerned about what people may be thinking about us. Believe me, if we knew the real truth, people may seldom be thinking about us. And that’s an entire other topic.

A long time ago, I remember lying on our sofa for a “mini 15-minute vacation from activity” and I heard a man share from his sermon the following:

“If you’re too busy to pray…..you’re too busy.”

I remember leaping up off the sofa and giving his words real consideration. Praying is talking with our Lord Jesus. Our words and thoughts of Him needn’t be long or complicated; but it’s sharing with Him (who knows us completely and loves us passionately) our life down here.

Like taking a walk with a friend; it much more fun chatting and commenting about all we see and feel. If we’ve invited the Lord Jesus to come into our life, and live His life in us and through us; He delights to hear from us….in our thoughts, words or deeds.

Why not take just 30 minutes and move yourself outside to a quiet place and just “be still & listen” to the Creator of this world, the world in which you reside and be CONTENT.

Note: two weeks later, she and her mate moved to another location

I’d call that…..DIVINE TIMING

STAYING IN STEP WITH JESUS

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

I don’t know how long you’ve walked with the Lord, or perhaps, you’ve never considered walking with Him. Since God not only creatively designed you and me, He bestowed upon us our first breath as well. That took place when you exited a womb. But, that’s only when we became alive to the world outside the womb. Each of us had life in a “secret place” where we were being fashioned….in the womb.

“For You formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13

He created each of us to “LIVE OUT HIS PLANS AND PURPOSES” in our life. I could park on that truth for days; but for now, events have recently evolved in my life that I’d love to share with you.

I’ve been waiting for almost nine (9) months for a special event. And no, it wasn’t for a baby to be born. I’m a few years past that type of event (lol lol). I’ll call it a “longing!” We’ve all experienced a yearning or deep desire for something, haven’t we. Perhaps even a longing for belonging!

God is keenly aware of longings in a person. God knows I really desire and enjoy almost anything coconut! My mother-in-love would often make a delicious coconut cake for me when I visited her in New Zealand. That’s a long way to go for cake…. but hers was spectacular. It was also special to me because “she knew I enjoyed it,” and would often surprise me with one…as a “personal treat” upon my arrival.

A month ago I made a coconut cake for myself. My husband isn’t that keen on coconut. And yes, throughout the week, I consumed most all of it. I “orchestrated the fulfillment” of my longing which was for coconut.

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his (our) paths.” Proverbs 5:21

Reflecting on this verse, we’re told that all of our ways are before the Lord. And it’s even more wonderful to know that He (God) ponders (that is, He knows and thinks) about our every move in life.

Don’t you often feel that when we read the Bible, we are reading it far too quickly. Too swiftly to absorb what God is trying to convey to our minds and hearts. We may read the Bible…. but in reality, the Bible reads us.

When I took some time to reflect on Psalm 85:13, it seemed to trigger an inner compass that encouraged me in the “ways of God.” His ways are mysterious for sure, because His thoughts and His pattern of guidance isn’t like ours. He has a higher purpose in mind…far beyond our comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9).

He sees the “big picture” (past, present and future). We can only ascertain our “current” circumstance. His guidance is similar to a global positioning system (GPS), except I like to call it God’s Positioning System. He shares just enough direction and guidance for us to take the next few steps. After obedience to that, He reveals just sufficient information for our next step. Don’t you think that might be one of His strategic measures to keep us “close and more in step with Him and His plans and agenda.”

I’m a planner! I can plan and anticipate what needs to be done months, if not years in advance. Please write and tell me I’m not alone. But when I spent time thinking and allowing that verse in Psalm 85:13 to marinate in my mind and heart, it brings me a quiet peace. A peace that seems to smooth the anticipated “thoroughfare of my longing.”

Here are just a few “Scriptural road signs” of encouragement Jesus introduced in my almost nine months of journey.

Psalm 57:2 “I will cry out to God Most High, to God Who performs all things for me.” GOD KNOWS WHAT, WHEN & HOW TO COMMUNICATE PERSONALLY WITH EACH OF US

Psalm 62:8 “Trust in Him at all times.” TRUST IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eyes.” PERSONAL GUIDANCE

Proverbs 3:5,6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” DON’T LEAN ON WHAT YOU THINK IS BEST, BUT RECOGNIZE & BRING HIM INTO EVERY SITUATION

Proverbs 4:26 “Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established.” THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU WALK & HOW YOU WALK AND ALLOW GOD TO DETERMINE, ORCHESTRATE AND CREATE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. It’s called His Providence & His Sovereignty. We do not need to “manipulate” our ways and opportunities!

Psalm 73:23 “I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.” AS WE TRUST HIM, WE WILL SEE & BE ABLE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS WHAT HE HAS DONE ON OUR BEHALF

Psalm 78:14 “In the daytime also He led them with the CLOUD, and all the night with a LIGHT OF FIRE.”When God was taking His people “to” and “through” the Red Sea (He opened and dried up the Red Sea), He led through the cloud during the daytime and by a light of fire at night. WHY? So they would know first-hand His personal and caring guidance. He didn’t want them to be “in the dark” about His leading. And, they followed by faith! He led them in a way they would know His presence.

“Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway.” Psalm 85:13

In Psalm 7:9, this verse conveys and informs us that God knows ALL of our MOTIVATIONS, THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS and DESIRES.

Glancing back to my “coconut crave,” it was just a few weeks ago my husband had a ministry trip to Ireland. He came across a “CHOCOLATE COCONUT MACAROON” treat at a bakery. Guess who came to his mind when he saw this? Me! God prompted him to make a purchase that would bring a smile and an “awww” moment to me.

The Lord delights in the DETAILS OF OUR LIVES. Psalm 37:23 “He delights in every detail of their lives.

The Lord surprised and delighted me through my husband’s gift in bringing me five delicious chocolate-coconut macaroons. “God orchestrated” this “coconut surprise” through my husband. That was a “delight” for sure.

One particular morning a few months ago, I was reading Psalm 5:8b. God seemed to “light up the page” when reading the following verse. Psalm 5:8b “Make Your way straight before my face.”

In His sovereign and providential care, the following day, Jesus brought “right before my eyes” a circumstance that I knew was from Him.

It’s “not the answer,” but it was the manifestation of the fact that He knew what plans He had for me….and I could now “rest in my longing.”

Encouragement was to just KEEP IN STEP WITH JESUS…and I won’t miss a thing He has in store for me.

Maybe one day, I’ll post the A N S W E R.

ONE WHO SENSES THEIR BROKENNESS

We’re all broken! Just look around. I’ve often wondered if I’ll ever be “normal.” We live in a fallen world…with a fallen and sinful nature. That came with our packaging in the womb.

No one has their act together, regardless of their post on social media.

We’re all living in the same “camp-ground” of a sinful nature that needs drastic attention. Yes, we’re all imperfect, flawed, dysfunctional, messy attitudes with fears and habits and vocabularies that aren’t the best.

Everyone is broken, but no one likes to admit it…. do we?! But isn’t it refreshing to see a person who is “real, vulnerable, transparent and honest about themselves.” People relate to and long to snuggle under the blanket of another’s vulnerability.

Brokenness is a “gift” that we’d rather not unwrap. But God will unwrap it for us through our day-to-day circumstances showing us through our trials, challenges and disappointments that we’re walking through, and that His strength and enabling grace will be enough for the details of our journey.

Brokenness, in God’s eyes, is beautiful. But God sees it with a different lens!

Our brokenness brings not only His blessing on our lives, but opens our lives for God to bless others in their journey because of what His grace & power has walked us through. It can be an attractive quality in that it can serve as a magnet and “connecting point” with people.

My husband and I yearned to have a family. I was adopted, so this was a very real longing. In general conversation, most people will ask you how many children do you have. No children yet was our response. I thought that maybe my womb required some medical adjustment, so I made an appointment with a physician.

The nurse he employed happened to attend our church. When she asked me for lunch one day, she asked me the purpose of my upcoming visit. I shared my concern. And to my surprise she asked two questions that gave me God’s answer. 1) Is Jesus the Lord of your life? 2) Is He Lord of your womb.

Remember the song a few years ago, “God Makes all things Beautiful in His Time;” and I might add, “In His way.”

His work is like an eye surgeon clearing the cataracts and blurs from our eyes so we begin to see our broken dreams, desires and areas of character adjustment through a different lens…..God’s lens.

Before His touches on our vision, we saw our life’s agenda and dreams shattered, and why would God possibly say “no” to what we had in mind for our life’s journey. Our dreams were dashed when God said “no.”

Not long after, I sensed God saying to me. “You love having people in your home. Had you ever considered that everyone who comes to your door or in your life is a child, sent by Me, for you to love?”

Not long after, we had friends who were visiting in our home on holiday, and the moment they were leaving our home, my friend turned to me and quoted verbatim what God had shared and was now in written form in my journal. I had plans for a 6 lb, 8oz child. God had other plans.

God confirmed His response to me through a cartoon caricature on the wall of an eye doctor. DEAR GOD….I CAN SEE YOU MUCH BETTER WITH MY NEW GLASSES.

It wasn’t my womb that needed the surgery, but my eyes. He showed me His perspective, and my life has never been the same. For we have hundreds of children that we’ve nurtured by our hearts, not my womb. Even today, after all we’ve been through, I would choose “His Will” over my own.

So, in a “wonderful sense,” the brokenness of our dreams has given us a realized reliance and trust on God’s will being the best for our journey: and, the acceptance of His plans and purpose has placed “Him on display” for His purpose instead of “ours.”

Brokenness is a beautiful and delicate tool for our transformation, and often

our broken wills, life agenda and expectations become the mouthpiece of our ministry to others. I continue to learn and embrace my limitations and disappointments because then, and only then, can we experience His power at work in us.

God’s “goal” is to make us more like His Son! Why? So people can have a clearer and more accurate portrait of who God is and what He is like. “His residence and work” within us will often frame what people think of His Son.

He uses our broken hearts, broken plans, broken dreams and crippling weaknesses to display His power, grace and love. It’s then that we’ll begin to see how He weaves His plans into a beautiful tapestry that speaks life into others.

GOD ISN’T LOOKING FOR SUPER, SIGNIFICANT SAINTS, BUT ORDINARY PEOPLE

TO DO A SIGNIFICANT WORK IN AND THROUGH.

He longs to take the “ordinary events” of our life, brokenness and all, and create an “extraordinary” journey…. a story that points toward Jesus; and brokenness prepares us for usefulness in our world, and purifying us for an eternity in His presence.

For those who have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, when we see Him, our eyes will be open to see what He was up to all along in our journey down here. For then and there, we’ll be all He had in mind when He designed us. Psalm 139

What kind of results do you want in your life….

yours or His?

GOD’S INTERESTS ARE DIFFERENT THAN OURS

GOD IS MORE INTERESTED IN WHAT WE ARE

BECOMING…………….

THAN WHAT WE’LL EVER DO FOR HIM

After people spend time with each of us, listening to us, watching us, observing our behavior, attitudes, and responses, WHAT DO THEY THINK OF HIM ? Our lives speak volumes, don’t they! We are either a “construction site” or a “demolition zone.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us.”

MOMENTS AT THE CROSS Did You Overlook This One?

I trust your heart and mind has been thinking about the events of the Passion of Jesus Christ (John 18 – 20). It will take a “forever” to absorb all the truths displayed in His obedience to His Father to not only open the way to have a relationship with God and receive forgiveness for all our sins, but to be able to spend our “forever life” with our Creator God. What took place at Golgotha forever changed the destiny of committed souls to Jesus.

There isn’t a sufficient vocabulary to tell of all that took place before the Cross. The pain, mistreatment, false accusations, chosen ignorance, beatings and humiliation were beyond our human comprehension. We can only imagine its awfulness. But, to add to that, had you ever thought about how God, the Father felt?

The unimaginable pain and terror God would go through realizing that in order to save mankind, some One absolutely perfect would have to be surrendered as a Sacrifice to experience His torturous wrath and anger towards sin. I can’t imagine this kind of pain. The pain of a Father towards His Son, so you and I could be forgiven.

In John 19:27 I wanted to just comment about a few people that “were there” for Jesus, when most all of His disciples were conspicuous by their absence.

It’s most appropriate to cast our personal focus on Jesus’ suffering on the cross; but there were five other people who were suffering deeply in their hearts for what was happening to Him.

There were four women and one disciple present (John 19:25): His mother Mary, His mother’s sister, Mary, and the wife of Cleophas, Mary and Mary Magdalene. These women were experiencing the unimaginable horror of not only what they saw, but the emotional trauma of seeing their Savior, up close and personal, taking their place at the cross, as well as ours. There just weren’t sufficient words to express the inexplicable depth of their grief.

But as I spent some time weighing the scene, there was a most tender moment that we can almost gloss over. It was the comment Jesus made to His mother in John 19:26.

John 19: 26 “When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” vs 27 “And to the disciple, “here is your mother.”

This was the third saying of Jesus while on the Cross.

With all the physical, emotional and spiritual pain this event was causing Him, His next words would bring a final honor to Mary. He expressed His compassion and love of His earthly mom by committing and entrusting her to His disciple, John.

In the next verse, Jesus was introducing John to the adoption of His mom to John’s life and his care of her.

Let’s allow those words to sink in! I have no idea of those reading these thoughts and if you’ve ever thought about the immense responsibility and devotion that John would now lovingly embrace.

When a person turns their life over to Jesus Christ, asking Him to be their Savior, they are experiencing the most meaningful “adoption” possible. For only then, can a person address God, as “their Father!”

WHAT AN HONORED PRIVILEGE!!!

But just for a moment, as I read those verses year after year, I never connected what took place when Jesus uttered those incredible words with what was actually taking place. JESUS WAS INITIATING AN ADOPTION AGREEMENT with His disciple John, and His mother, Mary.

Soon, Jesus would address His heavenly Father, verses 28, 29:

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Jesus was about to leave this earth, after accomplishing the greatest sacrifice for the greatest purpose.

The sixth saying that Jesus spoke from the cross was the single Greek word tetelestai which means: It is finished! Paid in full!

Here was Jesus completing the “potential” ADOPTION AGREEMENT FOR US. It’s yours and it’s mine upon personally receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. His work on the cross obtains our salvation; it’s nothing earned by us at all! He did it all, and it’s called

“GRACE”

THE UNDESERVED FAVOR AND KINDNESS OF GOD

to allow His Son to take the punishment we deserve because of our sin!

IT’S A FREE GIFT…. but let’s not forget that it cost God the life of His son.

The reality of His death for you and for me grants each of us our own ADOPTION PAPERS bringing each of us into God’s family.

At the close of my quiet time, I read:

Proverbs 10:25, “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich.”

The “truest and most valuable riches” in life aren’t possessions, position, power or prestige, but the. . . .“honored position” of being God’s child!

Why can no one earn his way to Heaven?

Because “ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory (perfection) of God.” Romans 3:23

You have to understand that sin is much more than murder, robbery, lying, gossip and so on; in fact, sin includes anything that we say or do – or not do that is not pleasing to God. Therefore, EVERYONE falls short compared to the absolute perfectness of God.

If you’ve never surrendered your life to Christ, here’s a prayer for you to call out to God.

I know I’m a sinner. I’m lost and bound for hell. There’s nothing I can bring You to earn Your favor, but, Father, by faith, I ask Christ Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Yes, I believe He died as my substitute and was raised for me. I believe He paid the full payment for my sin. And right now, I offer myself to You by faith.” Make me your child forever. Amen

Have you ever appreciated the fact that……………..

YOU WERE DESIGNED BY GOD

to live out

His plans and His purposes in your life!