GPS

What an amazing age in which we live!

Not a new revelation to anyone, but I often take for granted the amazing technology at our fingertips.

The most convenient of these, lately, for me, has been my GPS.

My daughters both play volleyball in a travel club that practices at a gym over 70 miles from our home.  And, while I do not do all the driving to and from the three practices each week, my share of the carpool has certainly racked up the miles on my SUV.

Even though I know the way, sometimes I’ll still turn on my GPS so that when I “zone out” on the drive, I have reminders that I am nearing my exit.

In addition, I have found myself with free time during the practice and used my GPS to find “points of interest” and local shopping.  Turn by turn directions have led me to new explorations and given me security that I will find my way back.

An added benefit to my GPS is that even when I don’t see a posted Speed Limit sign, it is displayed on the screen next to my current speed, which turns red when I have exceeded the limit.

How freeing it is to be able to rely on the knowledge that someone else has programmed and linked via satellite.  Amazingly, it always knows where I am.  How that happens, I don’t fully understand, but obviously, it doesn’t matter as long as it works.

As I was working through a recent study in the book of James, I read verses in my Bible that instructed me to ask God for wisdom.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should as God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.”  James 1:5

For some reason, I began to think of the Bible, the perfect and inspired Word of God, like a GPS.

No matter where I am in life, God knows and is there.

No matter where I am headed in life, God knows the way.

No matter how little I know about new situations, God gives me direction.

But, if I don’t “turn on” the GPS and ask it for directions, I stare at a blank screen.  I may wander aimlessly through life hoping that each turn will lead me where I want to go.  All I can see is my immediate surroundings.  But God is available if I just ask.

By spending time with Him each day, I am turning on my GPS.  I will receive turn-by-turn guidance.  If I make a wrong turn, He will forgive me and simply “re-calculate” to get me back on track.  If I begin to “zone out” on the road of life, He will give me reminders through the Spirit of God in me.  He even sets limits for me that keep me safe, and warns me when I’m going to fast and getting ahead of His perfect plan.

But, best of all, when I rely on God, my Great Protector and Savior, I need not worry.  For even if I don’t know the direction in which I should head, He does. 

“But I thank God, who always leads me in victory because of Christ”                      2 Corinthians 2:14

I have found that it’s best to take the time each day to turn toward God.  Talk to Him in any manner you like, He desires a relationship with you.  He knows that we are lost and wants to lead us in hope and peace.  He has given Himself as a sacrifice to graciously give us eternal life.  He has given us His Word in the Bible, our GPS to guide us through life.

GPS:

God’s Plan of Salvation                     Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Grace Proven Sufficient                   2 Corinthians 2:9

                                                            “….He said, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

God Provides Supernaturally          Matthew 6:26

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Guided Practical Solutions               Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans for you,” says the Lord, “Plans for prosperity and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Gift of Peaceful Satisfaction             Philippians 4:6,7

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Healed

Last night, Good Friday, I went to a program at local church, “Messiah 33AD”.

It was a moving experience and I endeavored to open my heart and watch the story of Jesus Christ’s life and crucifixion with a fresh perspective.  I saw things a little differently and learned some new lessons.

But, it wasn’t until today, that I came to my greatest and newest perspective.

It is certainly not a coincidence that I am healing from foot surgery after a poorly diagnosed and mis-treated injury.  Since my surgery five weeks ago, I have been unable to bear weight and walk.  I have struggled with my lack of independence and control over the fast pace of life around me. 

But there was a greater lesson in why God timed this recovery to overlap the Easter weekend. 

Every other day during my recovery,  as I spend time changing the bandages on my left foot, my view is that of two long, healing scars; one on the top, the other directly below it on the bottom of my foot.  I remember the surgeon told me as I awoke in recovery, that at one point during the procedure, she could see straight through my foot.

On Good Friday, over 2000 years ago, Jesus suffered much greater injury.  However, one such wound was in common, caused by a spike driven through His feet.

The Bible tells us that Jesus was beaten and bruised, tortured and spit upon; all before being crucified upon the cross.  A nail in each wrist / hand, and one through both His feet, held him to the cross where He bled and died for our sins.

But, three days later, on what we now celebrate as Easter morning, He miraculously arose from the grave; alive and walking.

I cannot comprehend the defeat of death, other than accepting it by faith.  But, what struck me today and brought me to tears, was the fact that He was wounded; hands, feet and body.  His feet and His hands had been pierced and left open.  He had no medical care, stitches, antibiotics or crutches.

Yet, three days later, yes, He miraculously arose from the dead.  But, the newly revealed miracle to me was that He was healed!  He walked in the Garden of Gethsemene.  He walked three days after an injury that would allow you to see straight through His foot.

I have such scars on my foot.  I have endured much pain.  I have hopped, crutched and scooted around, laboring to the point of exhaustion for five weeks.  I am still healing and unable to walk.  But, Jesus was healed.  Jesus walked!

My Easter has a new perspective.  I am grateful for a God of such power.  I am praying for His healed, scarred hand, to touch my scarred foot and allow me too, to walk again.

He knows the pain and suffering I have endured.  It is minimal to His sufferings.  But He is a God of life, mercy and forgiveness.  He heals our bodies and hearts.  He conquered death and injury, that we too might have life; abundant and eternal.

Forward

“Two more weeks. “

That’s what my orthopedic surgeon said during my three-week post-op visit.  Since having surgery on my left foot, I have been unable to bear weight on it.  Ummmm, that means standing, walking, waiting in a line, “running” an errand.  Now, she wants me to stay off it for an additional few weeks.

I’m taking it day by day.  As a wife who manages a household; a mother who taxi’s and attends to the likes of two very active girls; a middle school teacher who travels the hallways filled with students focused on self -- Crutches are not an option!

Before the day of my surgery, I set my mind on renting a knee scooter to take the place of crutches.  I can be quicker, more independent and multi-task.

Crutches keep your entire body busy and off balance.  My scooter allows me freedom to move and clears my mind to focus on a task, rather than, “don’t fall”!

It’s taken me some time in this life, but I’ve finally realized:   EVERTHTHING we experience in life is SPIRITUAL.

Crutches are like me living my own life, in my own control, on my own schedule.  It seems like a great idea.  Until we realize we are limited, weak and wounded.  We grasp and struggle to stay balanced in life; constantly thinking, “don’t fall”.

Only when we understand that “our way” is a life spent picking ourselves off the ground, do we realize that, if we just had balance we would be free to “glide” though life with the comfort and peace of knowing that He is in control.

Living the spiritual life and seeing that God is in control, is the best way to find freedom.  That sounds so backwards.  Someone else in control and we are free?  Yes!  We are free to live in peace and know that we don’t have to carry the load alone.  Whew!

According to Ephesians 6:12, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Seriously?  Spiritual forces?  That is not something I feel that I can control.

Sounds too heavy! 

Or………Wait, I can just count on God.  What a relief.  After all, He’s a Spiritual Force.  I’ll let Him handle it.

Jesus told us in John 10:10, that, “he thief comes only to steal and destroy, but I have come that you might have life and live it to the full.”

I am daily placing my faith in Jesus and His love for me.  Gliding, I choose to give the control of my life to Him rather than leaving myself vulnerable and open to the thief who shakes me and knocks me off balance.

The funny thing about this knee scooter is, that while it has handles, and an axle that will turn the front wheels, the turning radius is huge!  I can go forward with ease; smoothly coasting, leaning and resting as I propel myself.

But, get yourself in a tight spot, a small bathroom, a long hallway…….. The “turn around” is not going to happen.  So you try to back it up, inch by inch, like backing a horse trailer with a truck!  This is not working!  Then….. Stuck, calling for help.

Maybe that’s why God intended us to look forward in life.  He gave us eyes in the front with feet pointed in one direction.  He wants us to move forward.  He does not want us to go backward; to constantly fret over the past, dream of what could have been or live with regret.

That is how you get “stuck” in life.  God gave us a vision forward and wants us to trust in Him. 

Then, I had an epiphany about just that thing.  After my doctor said those words, “two more weeks,” I was immediately worried about the upcoming travel with my youngest daughter to an out of state volleyball tournament.

How would I _____________________________? (fill in the blank)

Driving, airports, flying, shuttles, tiny hotel bathrooms, that narrow aisle on the airplane, the pressure up in the air……  I could go on.

And then God nudged me!  This was not news to Him.  He did not just fall off His throne with this prescription from my doctor.

No.  Even before He created me, He knew this weekend would come and that I would be given, “two more weeks”.  It’s not like He slapped the side of His head and said, “Oh wait!  I forgot about the scooter!”

He knew.  He would be faithful.  Forward, I go.  No regrets, worries or control.  I will rely wholly on the strength of God.  I will glide in His grace and favor.

Grocery Shopping

As I recover from my foot surgery, I find that I am deeply frustrated by the lack of control in my life; more so, my lack of independence.

Without being able to bear weight on my left foot, I am dependent on a knee scooter to get me from place to place.  A much better option to crutches, this scooter allows me to carry items from place to place and maintain balance.  However, the weight of this appliance is such that I cannot get it into and out of my car without a helper; thus, my lack of independence.

Each errand has become a favor asked.  Someone, usually my youngest daughter, must accompany me everywhere to help me in and out of the car.

I used to love a few errands on my own on the weekend.  I could shop at my own pace, without having to explain my logic or plan.  Aahhh!  That was complete control.

In an effort to provide for my family, I typically do the grocery shopping one to two times per week.  This, on one foot, seemed a daunting task.  So, I had asked someone to help me by grocery shopping for me.

We keep a magnetized shopping list in the pantry so that whenever the last of some item is consumed, it can be put on the list for the next trip to the store.  In my absence the list lacked much!

I asked my daughters to make out a list and then my independent helper could shop for me.  After all, this grocery shopping was not solely for my good, but for that of my entire family.  I had cash in my wallet and was ready to hand over the list.

My request came a day in advance.  But, reminders were necessary.  It seemed that my request for this help was far down on the list of this less than helping helper.

Obviously, there were other more important things to be done on their list.  Tasks, favors and fun with those outside of the family, that clearly were more desirable than grocery shopping.  But, somehow, I was assured that it would be done.

The day came and the rush out the door made it apparent that my “friend” had not put me at the top of their “to do” list.  I would have to be “worked in” to their plan for the day.  They left without the list, without the money.

I felt neglected and unloved.  How could I, such an important person in their life, who had given up much time and effort for them, fall so low on their priority list?  My heart ached.

My anger intact, I immediately wrote them off.  I texted my helper that their services were no longer required.  (Needless to say, it’s been two days since this event and I still haven’t made it to the store!)  My jealous heart had gotten the best of me.

Now, not only were my cupboards bare, but my heart and soul as well.  I was empty.

Then a call from a friend offering to bring dinner revived my spirit.  When she arrived, in addition to the meal, she brought with her a book.  She told me how she had recently purchased this book to read herself.  She had not even cracked the cover when she felt God telling her to give the book to me.  (A Confident Heart, by Renee Swope)

That night, after a nice meal, generously provided by God through my friend, I began to read the book.  Tears poured from my eyes and soul as I read of the love God has for me and how much He desires to accept me as I am; injured foot, lack of control, and all! 

How many times in my life has God nudged my heart to help a friend or speak a kind word?  Have I always been faithful to do so?  No.

He has asked me to do the “grocery shopping”.  It’s not that God needs help, like I do.  Surely, He is capable of all things.  But this is how He provides for His family.  By using His children to work together, helping each other. 

In my efforts to maintain control and independence, I have often moved His grocery shopping errand to the bottom of my “to do” list and worked Him into my daily plans.

How that must hurt His heart.  Me, His creation, walking through my life, independent and carefree, not even giving a notice of His provision and care for me.  Thinking that I could make my plans and ask Him to bless them. 

I set the book down and confessed out loud, tears streaming down my face.  “I love you, Lord.  I am sorry that I have ignored Your plans for me.  They benefit many in the family of God.  Forgive me for being so selfish and not putting you at the top of my list.”

Control and independence are over-rated.  Only when we release them to God, can we find a peace that surpasses all understanding.  Only the will our healing begin.

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”  Hebrews 10:35-36

Thorns

Welcome to my new view:  a layered gauze and ace wrapped left foot.  Buried beneath, is a 3 inch sutured wound on the bottom and a 2 inch closed incision on top.  It’s been a long journey in one shoe.

It was the first week of school.  As a teacher, I had spent the last three months in flip-flops and sneakers; my days of relaxing in comfy shoes had ended.

Back on my feet all day in work shoes.  So, it’s understandable that when I got home, off came the shoes!  As I stepped onto my kitchen tile, and headed for the fridge, something stopped me in my tracks. 

Ouch!  What had I stepped on?

At first glance, it appeared to be nothing.  I continued my day.  But, each and every step proved to me that something indeed was in my foot.

That night, before bed, I probed and pinched.  Certain that something remained, I was unsuccessful in my excavation!

Days turned to weeks.  The pain came and went, but I still believed something was still under the surface of my skin.

I sought medical help.  After multiple orthopedist and podiatrist visits, inspections of my foot, x-ray, MRI, excision and injection, nothing helped; everything hurt.

Weeks had turned to months.  It was clear that the medical help I had sought, had only worsened my condition.  And don’t think I had given up on my belief that something was in my foot!

I survived walking through each day in one shoe and an orthopedic boot.

I sought a new opinion by an orthopedic surgeon who not only specialized in the foot and ankle, but also used her feet to run the Boston Marathon and conquer the Iron Man.

Surgery now recommended; it was clear I had waited to long.  The orthopedic boot that I wore for months had simply cushioned the injury and minimized the pain.  Pain that had good reason; it proved something was wrong.  Something buried beneath the surface had caused damage deeper than I knew.  Even the advice of “experts” had caused me more harm than good.

No matter the composition of elements that described this foreign object, its constant presence in my foot had caused me great harm.  Simply state, I had a “thorn”.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul tells us of a “thorn in the flesh” that torments him.  The imagery of a thorn is used repeatedly in the Bible from the very beginning.

And, it is clear from the Bible, that thorns are the result of sin in our lives.

God spoke and created the Garden of Eden a perfect place.  It wasn’t until after Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit and expressed their own will over that of God’s, that thorns appeared.

Thorns became a reality; as a curse of sin in Genesis 3:17-19.

Thorns in the Bible are described as afflictions (2 Cor 12:7), adversities (Prov 22:5) and evils that choke out the truth (Matt 13:7,22).

Thorns appear in many areas of life.  They might be on a vine that keeps us fearful from grasping the beautiful flower or fruit at the end.

They might be buried beneath the skin, shallow or deep, they can cause a needless irritation.  Or, untreated, can cause great destruction.

We need not fear the thorns.  But, rather, need to acknowledge their ability to harm us.  If we seek God’s presence in our lives daily, these thorns will be more apparent.  But we also need to ask God to search our hearts and find that sin which might be buried deep, covered by scars of life, and even justified by our own thinking. 

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

Our hearts can harden and cover our sin.  Our thoughts can justify and we can even falsely rely on others to rationalize how our sin is not harmful.

But the heart knows.  God knows.  We need to confess that sin.  Cleanse it from our heart.  Dig deep and debride the infection inside that causes us frustration, sadness, depression and even anger.  God can bandage us and heal us with His peace.

But only after we acknowledge the thorn (sin) and confess it to Him, who wore them as a crown, as He was crucified.

“…and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head.”  Matthew 27:29

I have confessed.  I am cleansed.  Still, it takes time to heal.  Recovery often takes time.  But, I will trust in Him for this healing. 

Shoes

I love to shop for shoes!  It’s one of the few parts of my outfit that cannot possibly make me look fat!

But that’s not why I wear them.

Historically, shoes have been worn for protection.  According to Wikipedia, the foot contains more bones than any other single part of the body and is most vulnerable to environmental hazards such as sharp rocks and hot ground.  Shoes were worn, originally, to keep us safe from injury and protect the sole.

God tells us to “put on” the shoes of peace.  We must choose to put them on.  He wants to protect our soul with His peace, but first, we have to take mental action.  Peace doesn’t always just come to us.  While God can provide it supernaturally in times of crisis, on any other routine day, we must actively choose these shoes.

But what style are they?  Sneakers that lace?  High heeled pumps?  Flip flops? Bunny slippers?

Shoes come in various styles for various needs.  Fashion tells us that we can use shoes as a “pop” of color, a finishing touch or to lengthen the leg.  Often times, they “make” the outfit.

When putting on God’s shoes of peace, we need to choose the right pair for the day ahead.  God says we need to be prepared.  Sometimes it’s the simple prayer of a casual pair of flip flops slipped on an easy Saturday of errands.

But then again, we might need to sit down with our bible and in devotion to God strap into some combat boots and gear up with a stack of memory verse cards that will help us fight our battles of a rough day ahead.

Either way, until we step out of the house in our shoes, no one will ever know we put them on.  The act of wearing our shoes of peace in our daily lives can be an encouragement to others.  When we can walk through our day “unruffled” and go through difficult or uncertain times, the peace of God can be a witness of His Good News.

As we walk around after daily putting on those shoes, we can even wear out and out grow a pair of shoes.  It may be that God grants us a bigger pair that we now need to “break in”.  As we face some new trial or circumstance irritations of life can give us blisters.  But, if we hang in, our shoes will start to mold to our feet and soon be our favorite old pair.

Ephesians 6:11-18 (New Living Translation)

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

storms

Once a week, I take a turn driving a carpool of girls, including my two daughters, to volleyball practice in another city.  It’s a five-hour commitment since the commute is 1 ½ hours each way and the practice lasts for 2 hours.  Crazy, I know.

It seems normal now, but this summer when my 16 year old was being recruited by the team, the commitment overwhelmed me.  Now, I see it as a little diversion mid-week, and an opportunity to spend sweet time with my daughters.

Last night, though, held some surprise.  We all returned home from school for a quick bite to eat, and change from jeans to volleyball attire and we were off.  Little did we know, there was a storm on the way.

It misted and rained lightly as we drove.  Nothing significant.  When we arrived at practice, the air was calm and muggy; uneventful.

Last night was scrimmage night, so I got to watch them play what is typically a “closed” practice.  I was distracted and thrilled as I enjoyed the talents of the players on the court.  I never heard my phone ring or buzz a text.

As the girls closed practice with stretches and laughter, I looked at my phone.   Missed calls and texts filled my screen.  I began to read the texts and realized, not only had a storm blown through our home city, but a tornado had been spotted near our neighborhood and streets remained flooded from the heavy downpour.

I told the girls the news as we exited the gym and they began to text their friends to learn for themselves.  The weather outside, as we walked to the car, remained calm and serene.  Wetness surrounded, but no sign of a storm.

On the drive home, I concerned myself with possible damage we might see along the way and considered the option that the storm might not be over, or was headed our way.  I asked that God would protect us with His mighty angels and bring us home to safety.

Home.  Wet streets and misting rain were all that we encountered here as well.  We had escaped the storm.  We left and returned at just the right time.  We missed the danger.

I logged onto my Facebook account and read all the accounts of hiding in hallways and closets.  Fear had gripped many of my friends, but we had escaped these emotions completely.  Or had we?

Webster defines a storm as “a disturbance of the normal condition”, “a heavy fall of rain, snow or hail, or a violent outbreak of thunder and lightening accompanied by strong winds.”  Typically, the dictionary gives alternate descriptions, such as “a direct assault on a stronghold,”  “to overwhelm, move or rush angrily”. 

The origin of the word STORM is Germanic meaning, “to stir”.

All of this violent activity happened without our knowledge.  It could have affected our emotions, as it did my friends on Facebook.  But, somehow, even though it still was a reality, we were spared from it.  Why?

I should also add to the recollection of my day, the fact that early that morning, I had discovered a secret that someone had kept from me.  Conflict in a relationship had “stirred” a storm in me.  I had suppressed the emotion most of the day in order to go about my routine and fulfill my obligations at work and home.  But, the long drive to practice gave me time to contemplate the storm that was brewing.

Not one of physical winds, thunder and rain, but one of emotions cast by secret.  I may have escaped one storm, but my mind raced in the winds of another.

In Matthew 8:24, we read, “And suddenly, behold, there arose a violent storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered up by waves; but He (Jesus) was sleeping.” 

This scripture has always caused me to wonder.  Why would He be sleeping in a boat in the first place? And, how in a storm of this proportion, when “the boat was being covered up by waves” could anyone sleep through it?

The passage goes on to say that the disciples had to wake him.  Wow!  Now that’s a sound sleeper!  Or……. maybe someone who was really worn out.

We, often worn out by life’s hectic pace, fall asleep and miss the storm.  We allow secrets to build and avoid the conflict that stirs in our lives.  We awake to panic and fear when we realize the reality around us.

But, God says in His word, that we can be comforted, even in these storms.  In Psalm 57:1, David cries out to God, “Be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed.”

Jesus knew the power of the storm.  But He also was the present at creation.  He had made the very droplets of water that formed the waves rising with the wind from His breath.  If he could create and allow a storm, surely, He could calm it.

Where do we turn when storms stir our soul?  Physical, emotional or spiritual journeys in life can blow us off course.  Rather than fighting the winds and allowing our mind to battle the storm, we need to rest in the shadow of His wings; take refuge in His calm. 

Psalm 107:29 gives me pause.  “He hushes the storm to a calm and gentle whisper, so that the waves of the sea are still.  Amazing how the Psalmist, David, could have written these peaceful words so long before Jesus stepped foot in the boat. 

Only the God of heaven could inspire such peace.  I am resting in His promises.  I am waiting.  I take shelter and comfort in knowing that He is in the boat with me, and is more powerful than the storm.

Words

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but WORDS can never hurt me.”

What a total lie!  Whoever made up this childhood rhyme, was running from the truth.

Each year, as I teach middle schoolers, I spend dedicated time trying to replace this old saying with the truth.  It is a harsh time of life, when they have little control over what goes on in their world, but the words they speak can be powerful tools.  Sadly, most of what I hear in passing through the halls of the school is negativity and sometimes bullying.  Teenagers subconsciously learn the art of manipulation, as their words are carelessly thrown around in effort to steer their way.

Just as your words can manipulate and hurt, they can also be used to sooth or calm someone using the right choice, in the proper time.

You know when someone gives you that compliment that you never expected?   It can carry you for a week!  On the other hand, someone says something harsh about you, and you are swallowed by sadness, defense or anger.  Feelings well up inside when we reflect on the words spoken about our appearance, abilities, or character.

To borrow a phrase from Joyce Meyer, “Words are containers of power.”

Proverbs 18:21 says that “the power of life and death is in the tongue,” and that you will eat the fruit of your words.

The Message translates this verse to say, “Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.”

I don’t know about you, but I when I eat, I like it to be “tasty”!  I am rarely craving something bitter, rotten or stinky.  But, that’s exactly what we find on our plate when we dish out harsh words.

Rather, we should let our words be a gift to others.  Follow the old saying, “if you don’t have something good to say, don’t say anything at all.”  Very hard to do when we are certain that our opinion must be voiced.

We often speak whatever comes to mind, not weighing the potential power we are about to release.  After all, if it comes out of our mouth, it MUST be true.  Right?

What a great reason NOT to speak poorly of oneself…

“I can’t do that,” or “I’m not smart enough.”  How about, “I wish I weren’t so ___________.”  (fill in the blank).  We not only use words that can be hurtful to others, but most often, defeat ourselves before we have had a chance to succeed. 

We need to speak positively about ourselves.   OUT LOUD!  You heard me, say it out loud.  Words contain power; life and death kind of power.

Don’t quiet believe me?  Why then, when God created the earth, is it recorded in Genesis that God “spoke” the world into being.  Each of the 7 days of creation, it is recorded that God said, for example, “Let there be light”.

Think about it, He is so powerful that He could have just “thought” about the light and it would exist.  No one else was even around to hear Him, but still He said it out loud.  He clearly gave power to the spoken word by using it for creation.

Before you release the power of the spoken word, think, reflect, and weigh the value of what you have to say.  Will it bring life or death?  Will you build, or destroy?

And remember, you’re going to get a hot, heaping helping of it to chow down on!  Make it good!!

Lost

We had a storm the other day.

When we awoke Wednesday morning, the skies were still dark.  I could hear the rain beating against the windows, the wind rattling the panes.  Still, we got ready for, and headed to school.

As we pulled into the school parking lot, my daughter said that she got a text from a friend stating that there was a late start to school.  As a teacher’s kid, she knows that even if that were true, she would be at school on time, every day.

The day progressed without incident, until…

We got home.  My daughter went to the back door to let in our dog, whom she had fed in the early morning; a routine that bonds them.  I was back in my bedroom, when she ran in and told me that there was a piece of fence down and she couldn’t find Penny, our 3 year old dachshund.

When I went out back, sure enough, the rough winds had taken down an 8 foot section of fence and post.  The world had expanded today for our dog.

It’s been 3 days and we have not found her.  We have contacted all the right people and organizations, driven the neighborhood and made the flyers.  Still no Penny.

As I struggled to help my 12 year old cope with this mystery, I was reminded of Luke 15, when Jesus told the story of the lost sheep.

It seems that of a flock of 100, one sheep strayed from the group; simply wandered off.  The Shepherd leaves the 99 and goes after the one.  He does not give up until he finds it.  And, when He has found it, he carries the ewe home on His shoulders, and rejoices.  When He comes home, He calls his friends and shares His joy!

We don’t see many flocks in our life today, nor shepherds who care for them.  But we do have our fenced in yards, which herd our pets and keep them from danger.  We do spend day in and day out knowing them, loving them; just as a shepherd spends time with his sheep, day in and day out.

When our sweet puppy wandered off, she was simply exploring her freedom.  There was a world she had never experienced; scents that sent her on an exploration.  We are in the search for her.  And, when we find her, be certain that, just as the shepherd did, we will carry her home.  We will tell our friends of our joy and post on our Facebook that she has returned home.

Jesus tells us that He feels the same pain when one of His children wanders off.  It may be simply our exploration of freedom.  It may seem like a harmless adventure or a simple choice.  We don’t intend to get lost and don’t plan on being gone long.  We simply wander in an unprotected world and often find that we don’t know how to get back to our yard; our place of protection.  God has given us limits and like in Penny’s back yard was fenced with means to protect her, He wants to keep us safe and close to Him.  He wants to care for us each day, but we need to stay within His limits.  It is only for our best.

No, I’m not comparing anyone to a dog, sheep or any animal.  Just simply stating that all of us are created by God for a purpose.  He has a plan for our lives and watches over us.  He is gives us guidelines on how to live our life in His perfect guidebook, the Bible.  It is our fence, our boundary, our protection from wandering too far.   It is not meant to be a list of do's and don'ts.  But rather, a guide to show us how to live the abundant life He died to give us.

He loves us enough to protect us, but he also gives us free will to wander off and ignore the boundaries of the yard.  He will seek after us when we are lost.  He will rejoice when we return.  He will carry us when we are weary on the journey.  He will share this joy with all of heaven, His Facebook.

Let Him find you.  Let him carry you when you are lost.  Trust Him to bring you back.  And, if you are not lost, have a heart for those who are.  If you have ever felt the void like that of my daughter’s heart, when her sweet puppy is gone from safety, you know the heart of God.  Help lead the lost, who wander this world around you, back to the safety of God’s beautiful back yard.