Blessings | From the Inside Out

Posts Tagged ‘Blessings’

Blessing Boosters

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Joy, Uncategorized, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Contentment, Gratitude, Joy on March 27, 2014| 20 Comments »

Year ago, someone wrote a tongue-in-cheek article, “What Your Favorite Color Says about You.” It was quite amusing. Sure wish I had saved it. Alas.

Anyway, I remember thinking, Oh, this will be so much fun to share with the girls at lunch. Those girls would be the other fourth grade teachers at my school.

Sure enough, my colleagues not only enjoyed it, they laughed till they cried. In fact, I did, too. A few times I could hardly get the words out before a giggle-fit would overpower me.

Had the happy-tears come while reading to myself? No. I don’t even think I laughed out loud. Only when I shared it.

And once again I experienced the phenomenon:

To share a joy is to expand the joy.

It’s a blessing booster!

C.S. Lewis explained such occurrences this way (and with extreme eloquence, I might add): “We delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment.”

Yet sharing joy to expand the joy is not the only way to appreciate more fully God’s blessings.

Paying attention to details also heightens our awareness of God’s glory around us. Let’s face it: How often do we miss his blessings because we’re so distracted?

I’m still striving to learn this blessing-booster: living aware. Too often my thoughts are focused on events, what-ifs, the to-do list. I need to:

Take note of the graceful sway of Spanish moss in the trees.

Breathe deeply the aroma of a crisp spring morning.

Listen to the happy chirps of a sparrow.

Truly taste the nutty goodness of freshly brewed coffee (not just gulp it down).

Focus on the cool smoothness of a rose petal.

To live aware is to experience constant joy in the wonder around us.

Another blessing-booster is the natural result of living aware: gratitude. Expressing contentment for what we already have, even the little things, can profoundly effect our spirits.

For example, I am deeply grateful for:

Steve’s three squeezes when he holds my hand. It means, “I love you;” and we’ve been passing that silent message back and forth for over forty years.

Color. Any color of the rainbow. God could have created the world in shades of gray. It probably wouldn’t have mattered. But the variety, the interest, and infinite number of combinations add such great pleasure to our lives.

The dimples on a baby’s hand. The epitome of cuteness.

As I contemplate each one, I smile, because:

To be full of gratitude is be full of joy.

And perhaps that’s the best blessing-booster of them all.

* * * * * * * * * *

What blessing-booster expands your joy? Tell us about it in the Comment section below!

(Photo credits: www.writeamberwrite.com; http://www.bridgetolife.de/administrator/moss-tree; http://www.peacefulplanetcommunication.com)

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Goodness and Mercy Will Follow

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Faith, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Presence, God's Provision, Psalm 23:6 on March 13, 2014| 8 Comments »

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Sound familiar? That’s the last verse of Psalm 23.

It turned up somewhere in my reading this week. Can’t remember exactly where.

But I do remember thinking, Wait a minute. Follow? Why didn’t David say, “Surely goodness and mercy are with me?” It doesn’t seem very helpful to have God’s goodness and mercy behind me.

After all these years of familiarity with this beloved psalm, I was suddenly quite puzzled. What could David’s statement mean?

I started with the dictionary. Did you know there are twelve different meanings for the verb, follow? Several of the definitions opened up new understanding for me. See what you think:

1. Follow means to be the result of, as in, “A discussion followed the presentation.”

God’s goodness and mercy are the result of availing ourselves of his shepherding, his watchful care and wise guidance (vs. 1-3). We don’t have to beg for his loving kindness; it is automatically bestowed as we trust in God. Isn’t that glorious?

“Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you” (Psalm 71:19)?

But. If we take a pass on his leadership, we have no right to expect his blessing.

2. Follow means to keep to or stick to, as in “Follow these guidelines.”

The Bible scholars of GOD’S WORD Translation must have embraced this definition. “God’s goodness and mercy will stay close to me,” they wrote. One commentator said these attributes of God cling to us. I like that, too.

3. Follow means to pursue, to move behind with the intention of overtaking as in “The detectives followed the suspect.”

Isn’t that wonderful imagery, of God pursuing us with his goodness and mercy and never giving up?

Those translators who have chosen stay close to me, or pursue, do enlighten our understanding. But one truth of David’s statement is best served with the more familiar verb, follow: We often don’t see God’s goodness and mercy until the experience has passed. It’s in looking back we see that he did pursue us and cling to us, lavishly imparting all his attributes.

For example, ever have one of those weeks when the to-do list is long, and there seems no way to accomplish it all? I’ve seen God engineer circumstances so that an item or two could be postponed, another one or two are cancelled, and a few don’t take as long as expected. One way or another, the list of tasks is checked off. And with a sigh of relief I look back and realize God had been following me, taking care of things as the week progressed.

“He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth” (Daniel 6:27). Even for one woman with too much to do.

Every time God demonstrates his close attention, I try to record the incident in my blessings journal. Watching that list grow has increased my faith; all the experiences have taught me I can continue to trust. The goodness and mercy of God will follow me all the days of my life.

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, Father, I marvel to think your continual presence is close to me. I can turn to you at any moment and you are there, ready and waiting to minister to my needs. Out of your goodness you give me countless blessings that I don’t deserve; out of your mercy you have withheld consequences for my sin that I do deserve. Thank you for pursuing me with patience, gentleness, and compassion.

Now may I be passionate to follow you, all the remaining days of my life. “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” How glorious to know that, even while living on earth, I can dwell in your presence within my spirit. I rejoice in your name all day long and exult in your righteousness, for you are my glory and strength (Psalm 89:16-17)!

(Photo credit: http://ourdailyblossom.com.)

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Times of Refreshing

Posted in Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Grace, Uncategorized, tagged Acts 3:19, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Grace on February 24, 2014| 4 Comments »

“Times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” Peter said (Acts 3:19b).

I wonder: What might those refreshing times look like?

If we think about those moments that restore us physically and emotionally, we’ll find clues to the spiritual refreshment God offers.

For example, do you feel renewed after…

…a good night’s sleep?

Jesus offers rest for our souls (Matthew 11:29-30)–rest that includes insulation against fear and worry.

…a tall, cool glass of water on a hot day?

Jesus offers “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14). He was speaking of an enhanced life–characterized by peace, joy, and his comforting presence. Finally, this enhanced life will turn to ecstasy once we’re transported to heaven.

…a delicious meal?

Just as food satisfies our stomachs, God’s Word satisfies our spirits. The Bible fills us with truths that strengthen and promises that revive.

…a heart-to-heart chat with a friend?

God actually designed us for symbiotic relationship. “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). But the uplift is augmented when we know Jesus and seek his wisdom–his ways–in our interactions.

Then consider the relationship we have with Jesus himself. I can’t imagine living without him, can you? Just a quick reminder that he is in control and has a plan can ease any anxiety. When I affirm he will supply my needs and those of family and friends, I can breathe easier. Knowing he is always with me is great comfort. When I avail myself of these benefits, he does indeed restore my soul (Psalm 23:3a).

…a hot shower?

Nothing is quite as restorative as washing away the grime of the day and allowing the pelting water to ease weary muscles.

Peter spoke clearly and bluntly, “Repent…turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out” (Acts 3:19a).

Why do we resist repenting–confessing and turning away from those things we know deep down aren’t good for us? We’re like little kids, grungy and itchy from playing in the dirt, and resisting a bath!

But if we do not repent, if our sins are not wiped out, the times of refreshing from the Lord cannot come. Here’s the whole of Acts 3:19, parts A and B together:

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

I do not want to be tired, thirsty, hungry, lonely, or dirty in my spirit. Not when God’s refreshing grace is always available for renewal, restoration, and replenishment.

* * * * * * * * * *

So here I am, Lord, coming to you with a repentant heart. I don’t want to live in some remote wasteland, removed from your presence! Thank you for your restoration that is complete and your provision of refreshing times that are continual. All day long you replenish my spirit! Even in the night you restore my soul. Your loving kindness and grace are boundless, and my spirit soars with praise!

(Photo credit: http://www.wikimedia.org)

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Pray, Believe, and Fight

Posted in Blessings, Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, God's Power, God's Promises, Perseverance, Prayer, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, tagged Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Ways, Isaiah 61:3, Perseverance, Prayer on February 13, 2014| 15 Comments »

The place: Spindletop, Texas.

The time: 1892

A group of five investors formed the Gladys City Oil Company. Sulphur springs in the area gave them great hope that black gold lay beneath the surface, especially since gas seepages in the area would ignite if lit.

Soon the area was dotted with holes–holes that produced nothing. Two investors pulled out.

A geologist was brought in. More investors were convinced to take the risk.

Nine long, unproductive years went by, and still no oil. That’s 3,285 days of discouragement, disappointment, and exhausting labor. Yet those men would not give up.

Finally, on January 10, 1901, their long-held dreams were realized. At the depth of 1,139 feet, the company struck oil. And it wasn’t just a gurgling flow. The discovery at Spindletop gave new meaning to the term, “gusher.” The oil shot over one hundred feet into the air, spewing enough to fill 100,000 barrels a day. It took nine days to get the well under control. No oil field in the world, up to that time, had been so productive.

I wonder what those men said to each other each morning, over those 3,000-plus days of working, learning, waiting, and wondering? Surely their conversations included some positive uplift, or they would have quit. Perhaps they made such comments as:

“If we don’t find oil, at least we can say we gave the effort everything we’ve got. If we quit before all possibilities are tried? That‘s failure.”
“All the signs indicate there is oil. We can‘t quit!
“Today might be the day!”

* * * * * * * * * *

Just as oil is sometimes discovered by accident, so God’s blessings fall into our laps as glorious surprises. Other times, God chooses to postpone a blessing while we dig our way through learning, working, waiting, and wondering–like the oil men of Spindletop, Texas.

How do we press on when circumstances look bleak, when common sense tells us to quit?

1. Pray! The key to knowing when to persevere and when to change direction is to spend time with God. Ask him to make clear what the next step is. Most likely he will not reveal the whole plan at once. He rarely works that way, because it eliminates the faith factor. Our moment-by-moment trust in him is too crucial to the abundant living he desires for us.

2. Believe! Dozens of promises in scripture probably apply to your situation and mine. We can recite those promises–not as demands (“God, you said this, so I’m expecting you to do it.”) but as faith-builders. (“God, you said this, and I know with you all things are possible.”)

3. Fight! Fight against discouragement with plenty of encouragement. God is very creative in the ways he brings hope to our spirits. Often it’s through Bible reading and other Christian material. We must keep reading! Sometimes it’s in a sermon or a song. We must keep listening!

A friend or even a stranger can speak uplifting words that resonate in our hearts. Sometimes it’s as if God is speaking directly. One sign for me, that someone is speaking for God? Goosebumps! I can almost feel his light touch on my arm and his voice saying, “Pay attention to this, Nancy.”

Our God is a well of unending supply. Whatever we need in this life, including wisdom, direction, and perseverance toward a goal, he will provide. In fact, he will do whatever it takes for his praying, believing, fighting children to discover the oil of gladness, instead of mourning (over failure), a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

That’s one way our loving, supportive Heavenly Father displays his splendor (Isaiah 61:3).

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Top Choices

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Meditation, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Galatians 6:7, God's Goodness, Gratitude, Luke 6:45, Meditation, Philippians 4:8, Praise, Worship on February 6, 2014| 6 Comments »

Paul told his beloved friends in Philippi: “You’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse” (Philippians 4:8, The Message).

As a meditative exercise, I decided to choose one event, object, or truth which embodied adjectives from this verse. Which examples below are similar to choices you would make? What might you select that would be different?

One important truth:

“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

That one was rather obvious, wasn’t it. The veracity and certainty of eternal life colors every moment of life with peace and joy. How incredibly splendorous!

One supreme example of nobility:

First, a definition. Nobility includes qualities of high moral character such as honor, generosity, and courage.

I have been blessed and influenced by many noble people. Any one of them would be worthy to contemplate and hold up as an example: family members, pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, missionaries, colleagues, friends.

So if I stick my hand into an imaginary hat filled with their names on slips of paper, I might pull out…M. and L.

M. lost his job unfairly and in a hurtful way. But they persevered through that dark time with honor and courage. These two are also known for generosity and hospitality, in their church community and beyond.

One person of good repute:

Again, I have to put my hand into that hat and pull out . . .

…Rachel Asherman, my grandmother. To this day her grandchildren arise and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28), because of her kind, gracious ways. Everyone loved Grandma Rachel.

One example of holy authenticity:

The Bible. How grateful I am for the reliability of God’s Word—filled with wisdom, promises, and encouragement. The more I learn of archaeology, prophecy, history, and creation science, the more astounded I am by the great volume of proof upholding its authenticity.

One item that demands compelling attention:

An impossible choice! As I contemplate towering mountains and tiny snowflakes, colorful flowers and majestic trees, soaring birds and fluttering butterflies, radiant rainbows and ethereal sunbeams, crashing waves and delicate seashells…my heart is filled with wonder and appreciation. And yet there is so much more!

God created such astounding beauty to display his attributes to us. With his power he carved out ocean beds. In wisdom he designed the evaporation cycle. With creative genius he splashed color over the earth–even out into the galaxies. His engineering prowess is highlighted in a honeycomb, and his artistry in a rose.

“The whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3)!

So where might that glory be most evident? Perhaps at the birth of a baby, when the little one takes that first breath of life and greets everyone with a wobbly cry. And surely there is glory in that moment when the parents first glimpse this new little person who will forever be entwined around their hearts.

Who is not compelled to give attention to that wonder? “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4)!

One example of graciousness:

A dear friend, Dixie, died of a brain tumor a number of years ago. Her treasure of life stories included great heartache, but you wouldn’t have known that to look at her. Dixie seemed to live in a cloud of contentment and peace, never showing anger, never gossiping, never complaining. Her example is still an encouragement to me today.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the bounty of beautiful things and inspiring people you have brought into my life. Meditation on all your blessings can keep me happily occupied for hours!

But you have ordained greater purpose in the exercise, because there is power generated by our thoughts. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart,” Jesus said, “. . . for out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).”

That means the more I meditate on your goodness, the more goodness will come out of my mouth. And the more goodness that comes out of my mouth, the more will be evident in my life, because a man [woman] reaps what [s]he sows (Galatians 6:7).

May I make choices, moment by moment, that will demonstrate the overflow of your Spirit.

Top choices.

(Photo credits: http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.commonswikimedia.org; http://www.flicker.com; http://www.whattoexpect.com.)

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The Fullness of Christ

Posted in Blessings, Jesus, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Christ, Colossians 2:10, Ephesians 1:23, Fullness of Christ, Jesus on January 30, 2014| 12 Comments »

Ever attend an elaborate breakfast buffet that was a feast for the eyes as well as the appetite? Perhaps a kaleidoscope of sparkling fruit grabbed your attention first. Then you noticed the fresh breads of all shapes and sizes overflowing from broad baskets. And last, large chafing dishes displayed scrambled eggs, sausage, and French toast.

Just imagining the scene makes me want to be there! But that’s not enough. Someone who only observes such a display receives no benefit from the bounty. She has to partake in order to be fully satisfied.

Paul tells us in Colossians 2:10, “You have been given fullness in Christ.”

But there’s no benefit from his bountiful goodness if we don’t partake.

Just how do we do that–partake of the fullness in Christ? It’s one thing to talk about the concrete experience of participating in a buffet. You fill up a plate, sit down at a table, and eat. Simple!

It’s another matter to understand an abstract concept like “partaking of the fullness of Christ.” Here’s one view:

The fullness of Christ includes the fullness of his character, the fullness of his blessings, and the fullness of his promises.

Are you feeling empty, weak, or deficient? Come to Christ, to “the fullness of him who fills everything in every way” (Ephesians 1:23). Nothing is missing; nothing is left out. He is everything we need–everything that has to do with value and meaning in life, everything that has to do with joy, peace, and fulfillment.

I’m picturing a buffet, laid out for us by Jesus. But instead of fruit, bread, and egg dishes, I see attributes, blessings, and promises. Just as we fill our plates with delectable things at a buffet, we can fill our minds with everything exquisite about our Savior.

Here’s a sampler platter of…

…Christ’s attributes:

His constant presence (Matthew 28:20).
His tender compassion (Matthew 9:36).
His kindness and attentiveness as our Good Shepherd (John 10:14).

…Christ’s blessings:

The precious gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).
Provision of everything we need (Matthew 6:31-33).
Peaceful rest from fear and worry (Matthew 11:28-30).

…Christ’s promises of:

Endless possibilities , because everything is possible with God (Mark 9:23).
Wisdom and guidance through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, 26).
Companionship with the King of the universe (John 14:23).

Chances are these are not astonishing new revelations to you, any more than berries, cinnamon buns, or sausage are never-tried foods. But if you are enjoying a delicious meal with someone, invariably you will talk about the delectable flavors, even though the dishes are familiar fare. Sharing augments the pleasure.

So talk about the fullness of Christ–his character, blessings, and promises. Even if you have to talk to yourself! Revel in his fullness–the bounty he provides.

* * * * * * * * * *

What aspect of the fullness of Christ is most precious to you and why? Join the conversation below!

(Photo credit: http://www.pixnio.com)

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Blessed Are the Flexible

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Will, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Contentment, Encouragement, God's Ways on January 23, 2014| 21 Comments »

Once again I found myself dashing out the door after…my quiet time of Bible study and prayer, making the bed, writing two get-well cards (couldn’t put that off another day), printing some documents to read and prepare with comments, breakfast, showering, drying my hair, putting on make-up, getting dressed, etc., etc.

I hurried to get in the car, and checked my watch. In twenty minutes I was due to meet Steve at church , about fifteen minutes away. I had just enough time to stop for gas. After the fill-up, and back in the car, I checked the time again. The pit stop had taken four minutes. If the traffic lights worked with me instead of against me, I’d arrive at my destination with a couple of minutes to spare. Whew.

In the peaceful quiet of the car, I prayed as I often do: “Lord, help me be a blessing to those I meet today. May I be an attentive listener, speak words of encouragement, and maybe even share a bit of wisdom from you.”

Soon I was pulling into the church parking lot. According to the dashboard clock, I did indeed have two minutes to spare. Hallelujah.

With a deep cleansing breath (a holdover habit from Lamaze classes) and a smile, I opened the door…to this news from Steve:

“I’m so sorry, Honey. The computers at Northwestern Mutual just went down. I tried to call you, but you didn’t answer.” (Must have been while I was pumping gas.) “They said they’ll have to reschedule our meeting for next week.”

For a split second I wanted to say, “WHAT?! After all the rushing around I did this morning in order to get here on time? All that effort for NOTHING?! I have a long to-do list I could be tackling! This is so UNFAIR!”

But just who deserved that rant? Certainly not Steve. It wasn’t his fault the computers at Northwestern Mutual weren’t working. So just where could I direct my angst? Nowhere. I had to stuff it down.

And while I was stuffing, my prayer spoken in the car came to mind.

Oh, boy. I had just asked God to help me be a blessing to whomever I might meet. And when a small monkey wrench gets thrown my way I want to throw it back. Some blessing. Will the day ever come when I can react with a gentle and quiet spirit–even in the first moment of upset?

And speaking of upset, this little setback is nothing compared to the heartache and suffering of others. Why do I allow an inconsequential matter, like a postponed meeting, to steal my joy–even for a second?

God is still teaching me some important lessons (because I’m a slow learner):

What seems to be a waste of time in my shortsightedness may not be, in God’s long view of eternity.
The to-do list is not a binding, legal document. The wise person leaves space on the page and in her spirit for serendipitous possibilities.
Changes of plan and interruptions (another bug-a-boo of mine) may be God-engineered events. Greet them with expectation and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Live in the present. Put aside the frustration that the plan for the day has been reconfigured. Accept the moment as a surprise gift–to be passed on to someone else who needs a favor, a listening ear, or a bit of encouragement. Another possibility? The moment may turn out to be a gift for you.

I did indeed receive a gift that day. Instead of attending that meeting, I ended up having an impromptu lunch with some of the church staff–a delightful group of people!

Steve has said for years, “Blessed are the flexible.”

I’m starting to catch on.

(Image credit http://www.publicdomainpictures.net.)

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Sanctuary

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Presence, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Contentment, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Presence on January 16, 2014| 13 Comments »

She was a pitiful sight, the pit bull/Labrador/terrier mutt that our son, Jeremy, and his wife, Nancy, adopted from the Humane Society. Her head hung down, and her tail did not wag. Even her eyes conveyed great sadness. She never barked and did not know how to play.

Jeremy and Nancy decided to keep the name given her by the society staff: Reba. No use adding confusion to the poor dog’s problems.

When they first brought her home, Reba wouldn’t eat. She also suffered from anxiety, shaking uncontrollably when faced with uncertainty. (She still does, sometimes.)

Reba’s symptoms aren’t much different from those of humans, when we experience extreme stress. Depression and anxiety can quickly take over.

Jeremy and Nancy adopted Reba the summer of 2010. That December when we saw Reba again, it was as if Jeremy and Nancy had adopted a new dog. Now her head was up and her tail wagged merrily. She could run and jump to catch a tossed tennis ball in mid-air.

If Reba could talk, she would undoubtedly have abhorrent stories to tell of her past. But I have a feeling she would finish by saying, “My new life with Jeremy and Nancy is completely different. I love it here!”

Reba has found a sanctuary—a place of refuge and protection where she feels safe. Her life has been transformed.

We, too, have a sanctuary available to us. “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9).

When David composed that psalm, the tabernacle tent-church was the sanctuary for the Israelites. God had told Moses centuries before, “Have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8).

For over fifteen hundred years, the tabernacle, and then the temple in Jerusalem, represented God’s presence among his people.

But that was only temporary. God provided an even better way to be with his people, through his son, Jesus.

Those of us who know him now experience his sanctuary within.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

At the cost of his Son’s life, God “bought” us as his dwelling place.

We don’t have to go to Jerusalem. We don’t even have to be in a church building to experience the sanctuary of our God. His love, peace, and comfort are available wherever we are, whatever we’re facing.

Now that is life-transforming news. But I have to avail myself of its truth.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, God, for being a sanctuary within me. At any moment I can turn to you, and you are attentive to my cry. As I focus on you—your wisdom, power, and benevolent care, my concerns deflate. I know you have a plan for my life, for those of my loved ones, for my country and the world. You are in control. I imagine you taking hold of my hand, giving it a pat or two and reassuring me, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you”.

You are incredibly good to me, O God, my refuge. I reaffirm my trust in you.

(Psalm 34:15; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 9:7-8; Isaiah 41:13; Nahum 1:7; Psalm 91:2.)

Photo credits: Jeremy Ruegg

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B-12 Shots

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Provision on January 6, 2014| 9 Comments »

“…So the doctor recommended B-12 shots,” my friends explained. “Hopefully they’ll do the trick. I’m so tired of being tired!!”

Got me to thinking. Some days I’ve had to drag my spirit around. Discouragement, hurts, and concerns weigh me down. Maybe what I need are some spiritual B-12 shots.

“B” might stand for beauty. Something lovely and joy-inspiring is always energizing.

And the number twelve might stand for the twelve months of the year.

So what beauties are there to behold each month that would foster joy? Here in Florida, the change of seasons is subtle, not offering as much variety as climate zones to the north. But there are other splendors in which to delight.

January: The fresh start of a new year, the reorganizing (after all the decorations are put away) that provides satisfaction in tidiness and motivation for productivity!

February: I love our annual Festival of Choirs. A number of church choirs come together, provide two selections of their own, and then everyone joins together for several rousing anthems. It’s a taste of heaven to hear 200-plus voices unite in praise!

March: Such glorious weather we enjoy–the low humidity, balmy temperatures, and clear skies. Migrating birds passing through the area give us occasional glimpses of rare species. One year a small flock of indigo buntings pecked about in our backyard. Such intense blue I had never seen!

April: I love the euphoria of Easter morning! He is risen indeed!

May: Roadways clear after the Snowbirds go home, and driving becomes less stressful. However, there are a number of Northern friends we’d love to keep with us here!

June: The schedule slows down as the summer warms up. The slower pace is most welcome—at least for a while.

July: I love the patriotism that comes to the forefront as we celebrate America’s Independence Day. “The Star Spangled Banner” still stirs pride and gratitude in my heart.

August: The best time to visit the old-fashioned ice cream shop in town. Such delightful flavors to choose from! And a hot August day only augments the pleasure.

September: Rehearsals begin for Christmas. This is one of the reasons I love to sing in choirs and ensembles. We get to enjoy the music of Christmas for three months instead of three weeks!

October: The weather begins to cool a bit, renewing energy. And while many northerners enjoy hillsides of fall foliage, we Floridians have our golden rain trees.

November: Right after Thanksgiving Steve and I decorate for Christmas. I love unpacking the decorations, many of them given to us by family and friends. Memories of times past bubble merrily in my heart as I arrange the crèches, angels, candles, and bows.

December: Oh, how glorious to end the year with a crescendo of music, camaraderie, secrets, surprises, and worship. Christmas would not be complete without the Christmas Eve candlelight service.

Beautiful moments through all twelve months of the year. B-12 shots of joy.

What are your favorite B-12 shots?

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for providing a pleasing cadence to the year. As one month flows into the next, your goodness is on display. Thank you for those events and experiences that come at expected times, providing rhythm, delight, and comfort to our lives.

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Post-Holiday Hope

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Salvation, Hope, Salvation, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Encouragement, God's Promises, God's Provision, Hope, Salvation on January 2, 2014| 8 Comments »

The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day fills our senses with:

Sights of Christmas trees, candles, Santas, and angels.

Sounds of carols, from the light-hearted “Frosty the Snowman” to the heart-stirring “O Holy Night.”

Textures from prickly pine to plush velvet.

Aromas of cinnamon, spice, and gingerbread.

Tastes of iced sugar cookies and egg nog.

But the seasonal pleasures are over for another year. And the uncertainties of our times—political, economical, as well as personal—that we set aside for a few weeks, are coming to the forefront again. If we’re not careful, troublesome thoughts can raise our blood pressure and take away restful sleep!

What to do? Take comfort in God’s Word. “Great peace have they who love your law,” said the psalmist,” and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165). I suppose that would include uncertainties, don’t you?

Two verses have ministered to me lately, Romans 8:30-31:

“Those he [God] predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified, those he justified, he also glorified. What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Of course, those key words in the first sentence beg to be examined more closely.

Predestination has been the subject of entire books and sometimes causes controversy. I like the way the Living Application Bible explains the concept, in a footnote to Ephesians 1:5. “Predestined” means marked out beforehand.

God knew each of us and loved us before we were even born. He provided the way of salvation so we could be in relationship with him. That does not negate our responsibility to believe in Jesus, in order to bring to pass God’s predetermined plan.

Called means we have been divinely summoned or invited. Some Christians are divinely summoned for specific tasks. Peter (John 21:15-17) and Paul (Acts 9:15) are perfect examples.

Most of us are called to love, obey, and serve God right where he’s placed us—in our homes, churches, business, schools, and neighborhoods.

Whatever our task, he cheers us on to work heartily because we’re doing it for him—to please him and bring him honor (Colossians 3:23-24).

And with his call comes hope, peace, joy, and blessing!

Justification is God’s way of making us right with him. Out of his gracious love for us, he declares us “not guilty” for our sins. We deserve harsh punishment, but he treats us as righteous if we put our trust in Jesus. Then the perfect sinlessness of God’s Son is credited to us (Romans 3:22-25).

Imagine standing before a mighty king who’s dressed in elegant robes. And there you are, wearing ragged, smelly clothes, staring at the floor, and wishing to be anywhere else but in this imposing throne room.

Suddenly the king’s words break through your embarrassment. He’s calling for one of his son’s perfect robes to be brought for you. He doesn’t just want to trade your rags for a beautiful, pristine robe—he’s eager to do it! And then, even more amazing, he welcomes you to his banquet table.

That’s justification—being treated as if we weren’t soiled by sin. Being treated like a royal son or daughter of the king, though it’s the last thing we deserve.

Full glorification will occur when we arrive in heaven. It refers to that moment when you and I will become like Christ (1 John 3:2.) It is so certain, Paul uses past tense. Our glorification is taken care of; it’s just a matter of when.

But the process has already begun. Our glory—that is, anything that brings honor and praise to God—is developing day by day as we allow the Holy Spirit to have influence of our thoughts and choices.

* * * * * * * * * *

Now consider the magnitude of these four processes which God lovingly, even anxiously, works within us. I like the way Ken Taylor expresses verse twenty-nine in The Living Bible:

“Having chosen us, he called us to come to him; and when we came he declared us ‘not guilty,’ filled us with Christ’s goodness, gave us right standing with himself, and promised us his glory.”

And last, in light of whatever you may be facing in 2014, please take comfort in these joyous words:

“What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:30, The Living Bible).

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