This weekend I sang in a choir.
It may not seem like anything big to you, but it rocked my world. You see, although I love singing, I hurt my own ears. That’s why I love it when the music is loud enough that I feel free to sing, really sing. At church sometimes I feel like a grinning fool because I’m able to sing and I can’t keep the joy contained to “appropriate facial expressions.” Joining my voice to others—no, burying my voice in the voices all around me enables me to worship God like I want to.
This weekend I went to Illinois Baptist Women’s Priority Conference and it was awesome. A few days before the conference I received an email asking if I’d like to help with “something special” they had planned. Sure! I figured it’d be handing things out or something like that. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The email reply was a link to a song and when and where to meet for a quick rehearsal.
Almost everything in me wanted to back out but I knew that if I did I would regret it. This was possibly the one opportunity I’d get to be part of a real choir, this side of Heaven. So, I sang.
God calls us and often (always?) we feel there’s no way we can do what He’s called us to do. We don’t have the skills, the training, the time, the whatever we need to do what He’s called us to. And it’s okay. God bridges the gap and equips us.
It’s about us obeying God. If we don’t show up, He can’t work in and through us, and we miss out on seeing God work.
I think I know what God’s called me to and to be honest, I’m feeling like Moses. Been there and done that, God. I landed in the wilderness and now I’m really comfortable there. I know how much work it’ll take to do what You’re calling me to. I know it’ll take almost every spare moment I have, and then some more. It’ll mean putting myself back out there. It’ll mean…
And the song we sang plays in my head...
Is anyone worthy?
Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the Grave,
He is David's Root and the Lamb who died to ransom the Slave.
Is He worthy?
Is He worthy of all blessing and honor and glory?
Is He worthy of this?
He is!
God is worthy of all my effort and all my time. Sacrificing my comfort level and time is worth it.
God will bridge the gaps of where I am and what He’s called me to. I need to show up and obey because God is able.
God is worthy of all this.
He is!
What about you? Is there something you’re wrestling with? Something you think God might be calling you to but you’re feeling unqualified to do? Leave me a comment—I’d love to pray for you.
Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Taking the Risk
In the past few days I read Numbers 13 and 14. It’s a story that we learn in Sunday School as children and a passage that I both love and dread.
The nation of Israel has left Egypt and slavery behind. They’ve crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, taken the long way through the wilderness, have seen God work in miraculous ways for months, and now they’re camped at Kadesh-Barnea. They’re a stone’s throw from the Promised Land—the place generations have dreamed of returning to. For 40 days the Israelites wait to hear about the land God has brought them to—the land He said He was giving to them.
Finally, the 12 spies return and all that anticipation and excitement turns to fear as spy after spy stands and tells of giants and obstacles that await them on the other side of the river. Only 2 voices tell of the beauty and bounty of the land. The people become restless as fear settles on them and tightens its grip on them. After a night of turmoil and tears the people agree. “If only we had died in he land of Egypt, or if only we had died in theis wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to die by the sword? Our wives and little children will become plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” (Numbers 14:2-3)
I always want to shout, No! Don’t do it! Don’t you remember the slavery? How could you even think of going back? Don’t you remember all the things God has been doing for you?
Truth be told, I’m so much like the nation of Israel at this point that it’s…terrifying.
Kadesh-Barnea. It’s a place I’ve been to many times in my life. It’s a place that I really have mixed feelings about. A place of excitement as I look toward the anticipated opportunity. A place of anxiety as I looked toward the unknown. It’s also become a place of disappointment as fear takes over and I turn around and head back into the wilderness.
It's funny how God orchestrates all the details of life.
I was chatting with my sister the other day and she sent this quote to me. She was talking about herself but it stopped me in my tracks. It was the THIRD time the same message was hitting me in a very short time. For three months I’ve been keeping some things buried but it all came gurgling out as I furiously texted Cheryl. I knew I was at the river. Again. And I feared that if I didn’t step this time that the wilderness would claim me for good.
I knew all the obstacles and objections. I’ve lived with them many times in my life.
That’s when I realized that there was no risk in obeying.
I really had nothing to lose.
But everything to gain.
What about you? Are you sitting in your own Kadesh-Barnea listening to reports of great obstacles and how small you are in comparison? Don’t listen to them! When you obey God, He fights for you and what the enemy means for evil God turns into good for you. I’m not gonna lie, it will be hard. There will be losses—but maybe some of those losses are things you need to lose (me too!!).
Turn away from the voices that say you can’t or shouldn’t and tune your ear to God. Remember and focus on all He’s done for you and move forward.
Sometimes you have to take the risk or lose the chance.
The nation of Israel has left Egypt and slavery behind. They’ve crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, taken the long way through the wilderness, have seen God work in miraculous ways for months, and now they’re camped at Kadesh-Barnea. They’re a stone’s throw from the Promised Land—the place generations have dreamed of returning to. For 40 days the Israelites wait to hear about the land God has brought them to—the land He said He was giving to them.
Finally, the 12 spies return and all that anticipation and excitement turns to fear as spy after spy stands and tells of giants and obstacles that await them on the other side of the river. Only 2 voices tell of the beauty and bounty of the land. The people become restless as fear settles on them and tightens its grip on them. After a night of turmoil and tears the people agree. “If only we had died in he land of Egypt, or if only we had died in theis wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to die by the sword? Our wives and little children will become plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” (Numbers 14:2-3)
I always want to shout, No! Don’t do it! Don’t you remember the slavery? How could you even think of going back? Don’t you remember all the things God has been doing for you?
Truth be told, I’m so much like the nation of Israel at this point that it’s…terrifying.
Kadesh-Barnea. It’s a place I’ve been to many times in my life. It’s a place that I really have mixed feelings about. A place of excitement as I look toward the anticipated opportunity. A place of anxiety as I looked toward the unknown. It’s also become a place of disappointment as fear takes over and I turn around and head back into the wilderness.
It's funny how God orchestrates all the details of life.
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| Take the risk of lose the chance. Photo by Cheryl Flatt. |
I knew all the obstacles and objections. I’ve lived with them many times in my life.
It was time I refocused on all that God has done and is doing.
That’s when I realized that there was no risk in obeying.
I really had nothing to lose.
But everything to gain.
What about you? Are you sitting in your own Kadesh-Barnea listening to reports of great obstacles and how small you are in comparison? Don’t listen to them! When you obey God, He fights for you and what the enemy means for evil God turns into good for you. I’m not gonna lie, it will be hard. There will be losses—but maybe some of those losses are things you need to lose (me too!!).
Turn away from the voices that say you can’t or shouldn’t and tune your ear to God. Remember and focus on all He’s done for you and move forward.
Sometimes you have to take the risk or lose the chance.
Get Closer
It’s a dreary day outside and I was reminded of a lesson I learned in photography…
When the light is poor, get closer.
Closer allows you to see so much more. More color. More detail. The dreariness fades into the background as you’re consumed by color and detail. Things you couldn’t see from a distance are not only visible up close but beautiful.
That’s so true in our Christian lives too.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
When the light is dim, when it’s hard to see our path, get closer. Closer to Jesus, the Light of the world. Sit with the Word of God and read. Sometimes the only thing we can do when our world goes dark is get closer to Him and immerse ourselves in His Word. We can’t see which way to go. We can’t see where our path is or what’s on it. But we can read His promises. We can meditate the promises of God that we’ve hidden in our hearts. Words of life and light.
We still may not be able to see our path or know which way to go, but we will be closer to God, the One who goes before us and promises to never leave us.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deut. 31:6
On dark and dreary days get closer to God. Up close we see so much more. More color. More detail. More beauty.
Get close.
Closer allows you to see so much more. More color. More detail. The dreariness fades into the background as you’re consumed by color and detail. Things you couldn’t see from a distance are not only visible up close but beautiful.
That’s so true in our Christian lives too.
When the light is dim, when it’s hard to see our path, get closer. Closer to Jesus, the Light of the world. Sit with the Word of God and read. Sometimes the only thing we can do when our world goes dark is get closer to Him and immerse ourselves in His Word. We can’t see which way to go. We can’t see where our path is or what’s on it. But we can read His promises. We can meditate the promises of God that we’ve hidden in our hearts. Words of life and light.
We still may not be able to see our path or know which way to go, but we will be closer to God, the One who goes before us and promises to never leave us.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deut. 31:6
On dark and dreary days get closer to God. Up close we see so much more. More color. More detail. More beauty.
Get close.
Plant Your Own Garden
It's taking me years to learn this but I think I'm finally getting the hang of it a bit better. I have some ideas why too, but I'll share those another time...
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans,
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn...
With every goodbye you learn.
Unknown
No Limits
Off and on throughout the day I've been thinking about limiting God--something I do far too often. I should know better. I have the sea urchins to remind me...
Even though I grew up on the coast of Maine, I had never found a sea urchin that I could bring home. The shells captivated me but the few I found were either broken or still smelly and awful so they stayed where they were found.
But a couple years ago when I went to visit Cheryl in Puerto Rico we found oodles of sea urchins. More urchins than I ever would have imagined possible. The funny thing? I had asked God for one. Just one to put on my shelf and I would be thrilled and content. I think God snickered. We didn't find just one. We found a gazillion of them. They were everywhere. Little, adorable sea urchins.
Thankfully, whenI found myself limiting God this morning the Bible verses I'm memorizing came to mind.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power the works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:30 NAS
God can, and will do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. So let's quit being naysayers and let Him to do it! Let me tell you, if we do, the biggest shell collecting bucket we can find won't hold what He has for us.
Let's open our minds and hearts and start watching for what God will do when we let Him.
Even though I grew up on the coast of Maine, I had never found a sea urchin that I could bring home. The shells captivated me but the few I found were either broken or still smelly and awful so they stayed where they were found.
Thankfully, whenI found myself limiting God this morning the Bible verses I'm memorizing came to mind.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power the works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:30 NAS
God can, and will do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. So let's quit being naysayers and let Him to do it! Let me tell you, if we do, the biggest shell collecting bucket we can find won't hold what He has for us.
Let's open our minds and hearts and start watching for what God will do when we let Him.
#NaBloPoMo Day 3
BFFs: Fear and Procrastination
I'm a procrastinator at heart. Pathetically so.
I know all the reasons I need to push on. I know the importance of it. I know that procrastinating could easily kill all hope of what I'm hoping for and what I've been working for and I feel God has for me. But sometimes there's something even bigger than all those things I know.
Fear.
Fear of what? Fear of failure.
If it's not done, it can't fail.
Am I the only one who deals with this??
And I even know the verses to fight this fear—because I've searched them out so often!
So here's the verse that's pulling me out of this bog fueled by fear:
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. ~2 Timothy 1:7 NAS
Timidity. Cowardice. Fear. It's NOT what God has given us!
God's given us power. His power. “Miraculous power,” might and strength.
And love.
And discipline. Now there's a word we love to hate. Discipline. Self-control.
THAT's what God has given us.
That means that any time I let fear have control, I'm turning my back on God and what He has given me and choosing the hog swill of fear instead.
How dumb is that?!?!
Sooooo, now that I've put that in perspective (for myself) it's time to get back to work. In power, love and discipline—those awesomely cool gifts God gave me.
So tell me, how do you fight procrastination?
*This is a repost from a couple years ago that I'm needing again these days.
Giants in the Land
Welcome to Word Nerd!
We'd love to have you join the fun, either blogging with us, or simply visiting. =) We dearly love visitors.
This week's word is Giant.
If you're joining in the meme, be sure to link up with us at the end of this post. Since this is a blog hop, you can grab the code for the linky down there too. Find more info about the Word Nerd meme here.
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“There are giants in the land!”
That’s what 10 of the 12 spies reported to Moses and the people of Israel. Sure, the land flowed with milk and honey and there was an abundance of fresh produce, something that the people of Israel longed for, but that wasn’t what they chose to see. Instead, they saw only the giants.
God told them to move forward, to fight the giants, but they stood still in fear.
I can relate. Sadly, often just thinking about a giant in my life is enough to stop me. The thing about those giants is if we don’t face them and take them on, they win without even a battle, just like they did in Joshua and Caleb’s day.
Often giants zealously guard the most important things in life--things God has for us. If we want them, we have to fight the giants. If we don’t fight them, we’re turned back into the wilderness to wander. Disobedience is a nasty path to walk.
I don’t know about you, but wilderness life just doesn’t measure up to what lies beyond. It’s worth fighting those giants to move into what God has for me, ready and waiting.
Today I’m once again taking on giants because wilderness living stinks. I want the milk and honey.
So tell me, how are the giants in your life faring?
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Next week's word is CONSTRUCTION. Hope you join us!
Be Like a Hummer
At one point there were two hummers at a feeder and when the wind suddenly gusted, they both faced into the wind and kept flying. As I watched, I saw one drop closer to the ground and manage to slowly fly forward, but the other was pushed backward and into the trees that line the creek.
Both hummers kept flying until they were able to latch onto something. Then they were back to the feeders for another snack. Their persistence in the face of the storm wowed me. And shamed me. How many times do I get a little wind in my face and decide it's time for me to hunker down? And that's not even storm winds. In the storms of life I tend to head for my rock—the one I like to hide under. But that's not the rock we're supposed to run to.
When the storms of life come, we're to keep flying and get to our Rock. Yanno, our ROCK: Jesus.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,When we run to that Rock, we can take refuge—hide—there with Him. That's very good news to me because I'm a hider.
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
~Psalm 18:2 NAS
and under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
~Psalm 91:4 NAS
Knowing that I can run to my Rock and crawl under is so very comforting to me! When life's storms start howling, I can face into the wind and keep flying, just like those little hummers did, and fly back to my Heavenly Father. There, with the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3) I'm safe and secure under His wing.
Flying whats?
Today is elephant appreciation day.
Uh huh. I heard you say “So what?!”
Since you asked (hehe - see the line above, it has a question mark), I'll tell you.
An elephant has helped me on this writing journey I'm on.
Really.
Almost three years ago, still in my first year of blogging, I participated in WordFilled Wednesdays several times, and it's still one of my favorite memes. The very first time I joined in, Ellie the Elephant came to be in If an Elephant can fly. Lemme tell ya, I loved Ellie—she inspired me, but I was a little embarrassed by her. See, all the WFW I visited were very dignified pictures, and then there was mine. Whimsical. eh. Once I got over feeling like the oddball, I didn't worry about it. She was exactly what I needed. So much so that she became the theme for my year (2009) and lived at the top of my sidebar.
Many, many times I've thought of Ellie and her verse and it's helped me keep going.
If an elephant can fly, then I can do what God's called me to. I can write for Him. Can an elephant fly on its own? No! All the more reason for me to hold fast to God because it's by HIS strength and power that an elephant can fly and I can follow Him. Which ties in with this year's theme verse Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6) That one's in the sidebar now and it's been crucial this year.
So tell me, what is it God's called you to do that you need His help to fly?
Oh yeah, and since it's Elephant Appreciation Day I'm guest posting at the Faithwriters blog. Why? Because when I told Joanne I really thought she should post on elephant appreciation day (since she's the one who learned about that juicy tidbit) she challenged me to come up with a tie-in to writing, and when I did, she invited me to post, instead of doing it herself. *eye roll* Somehow that's not what I had in mind. LoL. So, come join me there and see how else elephants tie in with writing. ;-)
Uh huh. I heard you say “So what?!”
Since you asked (hehe - see the line above, it has a question mark), I'll tell you.
An elephant has helped me on this writing journey I'm on.
Really.
Almost three years ago, still in my first year of blogging, I participated in WordFilled Wednesdays several times, and it's still one of my favorite memes. The very first time I joined in, Ellie the Elephant came to be in If an Elephant can fly. Lemme tell ya, I loved Ellie—she inspired me, but I was a little embarrassed by her. See, all the WFW I visited were very dignified pictures, and then there was mine. Whimsical. eh. Once I got over feeling like the oddball, I didn't worry about it. She was exactly what I needed. So much so that she became the theme for my year (2009) and lived at the top of my sidebar.
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| "Un Petit Voyage I" by Ségo |
Many, many times I've thought of Ellie and her verse and it's helped me keep going.
If an elephant can fly, then I can do what God's called me to. I can write for Him. Can an elephant fly on its own? No! All the more reason for me to hold fast to God because it's by HIS strength and power that an elephant can fly and I can follow Him. Which ties in with this year's theme verse Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6) That one's in the sidebar now and it's been crucial this year.
So tell me, what is it God's called you to do that you need His help to fly?
Oh yeah, and since it's Elephant Appreciation Day I'm guest posting at the Faithwriters blog. Why? Because when I told Joanne I really thought she should post on elephant appreciation day (since she's the one who learned about that juicy tidbit) she challenged me to come up with a tie-in to writing, and when I did, she invited me to post, instead of doing it herself. *eye roll* Somehow that's not what I had in mind. LoL. So, come join me there and see how else elephants tie in with writing. ;-)
Even if it's 50
Recently I've been researching missions in Ecuador, where I spent my teen years as a missionary kid. Although I've LOVED the research and all that I'm learning, it's not been easy. Maybe because missions is so near and dear to my heart—one of those things I hold close.
I'm learning more about perseverance as I study missions in Ecuador. Did you know that missionaries worked with the Quichua people for 50 years before any were saved? (LoL—if you knew that, email me cuz I have a little gift for you. Really.) The Quichua New Testament had been translated and published by that time and slowly the people were saved and being baptized.
50 years.
I get frustrated when my kids don't listen and change their actions after only 5 minutes of me explaining why they should. I give up on people after maybe 5 months of feeling like I'm banging my head on the wall. Yet those missionaries worked and lived and loved the Quichuas for over 50 years before seeing eternal fruit for all the blood, sweat and tears they poured into those people. And yes, missionaries pour boatloads of blood, sweat and tears into the people they're living amongst. I've seen it in almost every missionary I know well enough.
Those missionaries were willing to live and work for years and years without seeing fruit for their labor—simply because they were convinced they were where God wanted them, doing what God wanted them to do. If they had quit, there wouldn't be thousands of Quichua believers now.
50 years.
And I get impatient over the stupidest things. So many of my (writer) friends grow discouraged and quit when they don't see a contract in 5 years. So many of us throw in the towel when we don't see the progress we think we should, but where does persevering simply because it's where God wants us fit into the equation? Am I willing to do what God wants me to even if I don't see the progress or fruit I think I should?
Even if it's 50 years?
I think I need to change my perspective.
How about you?
50 years.
I get frustrated when my kids don't listen and change their actions after only 5 minutes of me explaining why they should. I give up on people after maybe 5 months of feeling like I'm banging my head on the wall. Yet those missionaries worked and lived and loved the Quichuas for over 50 years before seeing eternal fruit for all the blood, sweat and tears they poured into those people. And yes, missionaries pour boatloads of blood, sweat and tears into the people they're living amongst. I've seen it in almost every missionary I know well enough.
Those missionaries were willing to live and work for years and years without seeing fruit for their labor—simply because they were convinced they were where God wanted them, doing what God wanted them to do. If they had quit, there wouldn't be thousands of Quichua believers now.
50 years.
And I get impatient over the stupidest things. So many of my (writer) friends grow discouraged and quit when they don't see a contract in 5 years. So many of us throw in the towel when we don't see the progress we think we should, but where does persevering simply because it's where God wants us fit into the equation? Am I willing to do what God wants me to even if I don't see the progress or fruit I think I should?
Even if it's 50 years?
I think I need to change my perspective.
How about you?
*Photo courtesy of Ilhuicamina via flickr
Seriously...
Last night, as I was shutting down the computer, I realized I hadn't posted here. Not only that but that I was posting at Jewels of Encouragement today and I hadn't posted the cool button. My brain was fuzzy enough that I decided I'd better do it this morning...
So this morning, I sat down and loaded the Jewels blog... and immediately wanted to crawl under my desk and hide.
Oh, the post itself was fine.
But there was NO picture. None. Zippo. Nada.
sigh. If you're wondering why it's such a big deal, I'll tell ya...
See, Jewels of Encouragement is a great group blog I (WE) set up last month, and as we invited people to join us, we had some guidelines and two of them were pictures and comments.
No picture in my post (although there certainly is now *eye roll*) and I've been awol this week--not commenting as I buckled down and made tracks on a manuscript.
I was so close to reaching the end of my tunnel that I tossed everything aside and made a mad dash for the finish line. I am finally, officially caught up. I'd be happy dancing if I hadn't dropped doing some of the things I tells others to do.
But yanno, it reminds me of my spiritual life. There are plenty of times I do the very things I don't want to do, and do the things I don't want to. (Sound familiar? Paul said something like that in Romans 7:15) Times when I do in my spiritual life what I ended up doing at the Jewels blog this week and today. Life doesn't end over it. Thankfully. But it's at these times that I find I need to settle in, buckle up and get to work doing those things that I need to do.
Sometimes that's a daunting task, and today's post at Jewels of Encouragement is about just that. Chosen is a piece I've come back to many times in my life because I look at what I feel God calling me to and my knees turn to jelly. But the truth of the matter is that if He's called me to it then He will take care of the details. My job in all that? Come visit me at Jewels of Encouragement to find out. ;-)
So this morning, I sat down and loaded the Jewels blog... and immediately wanted to crawl under my desk and hide.
Oh, the post itself was fine.
But there was NO picture. None. Zippo. Nada.
sigh. If you're wondering why it's such a big deal, I'll tell ya...
See, Jewels of Encouragement is a great group blog I (WE) set up last month, and as we invited people to join us, we had some guidelines and two of them were pictures and comments.
No picture in my post (although there certainly is now *eye roll*) and I've been awol this week--not commenting as I buckled down and made tracks on a manuscript.
I was so close to reaching the end of my tunnel that I tossed everything aside and made a mad dash for the finish line. I am finally, officially caught up. I'd be happy dancing if I hadn't dropped doing some of the things I tells others to do.
But yanno, it reminds me of my spiritual life. There are plenty of times I do the very things I don't want to do, and do the things I don't want to. (Sound familiar? Paul said something like that in Romans 7:15) Times when I do in my spiritual life what I ended up doing at the Jewels blog this week and today. Life doesn't end over it. Thankfully. But it's at these times that I find I need to settle in, buckle up and get to work doing those things that I need to do.
Betty Bee and the Long Tongue
Betty Bee and the Long Tongue
Betty Bumble Bee settled onto a clover blossom and dropped her head onto her front legs. As she watched the honey bees scurry from flower to flower she became sadder and sadder. Oh, how she wanted to be like them: so slim and trim and so useful. Everyone loved the honey bees because they made honey. They could zip through tight spaces and always had such fun. Betty Bee wanted very much to be a honey bee instead of the bumble bee she was.
Josie Butterfly swooped in for a fast landing. “Hiya, Betty Bee. Why are you just laying here and not gathering pollen?”
“Because I’m sad.” Betty Bee turned her head away so she wouldn’t have to see a honey bee working on a nearby dandelion. “Besides, why should I worry about it when the honey bees are on the job? They can do a much better job of it than I can. I wish I were a honey bee instead of a big, bumbling, bumble bee!”
Josie slowly fanned her wings as she thought. “Betty Bee, don’t you know that honey bees are picky? They need nectar to make honey.”
Betty Bee stroked her antenna. “So?”
“So they won’t go to a flower that only has pollen and no nectar, which means that some flowers would never get pollinated if it weren’t for you bumble bees because bumble bees need both pollen and nectar to feed their babies.”
“They still make honey and look at them, they’re so cute.”
Josie shook her head. “There’s more to life than being cute.”
Betty Bee flicked a leg and sent an aphid flying off the clover blossom.
“Betty Bee, stick out your tongue,” Josie said, her middle legs propped on her abdomen.
“What? Are you crazy?” Betty Bee asked.
“Just stick out your tongue, Betty Bee.” Josie insisted.
Betty Bee rolled her eyes, but stuck it out. It was long!
“God gave you a special tongue so you could reach into flowers that honey bees can’t.” Josie thought that was so neat she did a loop-de-loop right over Betty Bee’s head.
Betty Bee stuck out her tongue again and studied it with her many eyes. “Yeah, I guess that is pretty special.” She said, sounding a little happier.
“It sure is!” Josie said as she settled back onto a nearby flower. “But there’s something else that’s special about you.
“Really?” Betty Bee asked.
“Really.” Josie replied. “When it’s too cold for honey bees, guess who’s out here pollinating flowers?”
Betty Bee hesitated and thought back to the last cold day they’d had. The only other bees she’d seen that day were fellow bumble bees. “Um, bumble bees?” she asked uncertainly.
Josie clapped her hands. “Right! You bumble bees don’t mind the cold but honey bees can’t stand it. If it weren’t for you bumble bees some flowers wouldn’t get pollinated and that would be really sad.”
Betty Bee stood up and bumbled about a little, buzzing in her happiness.
“Oh, and that reminds me of something really, really special about you, Betty Bee!” Josie danced around on her clover top. “You know how so many people like tomatoes?”
Betty Bee stood real still, listening closely. The family that lived nearby loved tomatoes, so this was really important to her. “Yeah?”
“Guess who needs to pollinate tomato blossoms so they grow the tomatoes?” Josie asked, so excited she fluttered above her flower.
As Betty Bee thought hard she buzzed… and buzzed some more. Soon her clover blossom was vibrating. “I don’t know, Josie. Who?”
Josie giggled. “Bumble bees do! God made them so they can buzz enough to get the tomato pollen to drop down to where it can be reached. Isn’t that wonderful?”
That made Betty Bee so excited she flew off her flower and did a double loop around Josie. “God made me special so I could do a special job!” she shouted to all the other bees, who stopped their gathering and cheered for her.
“I’m Betty Bumble Bee and I love being me!” she sang as she zoomed into a tomato blossom and began her happy buzzing. “Just don’t forget the ‘Bumble’ part,” she giggled, “that’s the most important part.”
“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;” Ephessians 4:11-12 (NAS)
This is definitely something I needed today.
And God made you special to do the job He has for you to do, too!
Not by Might
Each fall we have hummingbirds galore as they stop to refuel on their way south. Those tiny creatures fascinate me and the only way I can understand all they do is to accept it's how God created them. It's not that they're so strong and powerful, it's that God enabled them to travel the miles He has for them.
God has enabled us to travel the miles He has for us--through and by His Spirit.
Shining
When I looked out the window awhile ago, this is what I saw.
The trees where shining. The sun had peeked through the heavy clouds and was making all the ice encrusted trees glisten. It was beautiful, especially with all the dark, stormy weather we've been having.
But yanno, the sun often peeks out and shines on the trees like it did. What made it so noticeable and beautiful was the coating of ice on each and every branch and twig. The ice that was a big part of the storm. The ice that was weighing down the tree limbs and rattling with every hint of a breeze. Without the ice there would have been little beauty—just winter trees in a patch of sunshine.
So often when storms overtake our lives we cry out because of the ice that seems to coat us and weigh us down. When a breeze goes past we rattle, thinking only of uncomfortable and heavy the ice is. Yet when others look at us they may see the radiance of the Son shining off us and through us. Sometimes we need the ice to reflect the Son.
Heavenly Father, help us keep our eyes so fixed on You that when the ice comes into our lives we wait eagerly for the Sonshine so we can sparkle and dance for you. Help us to accept the ice and shine for You so that beauty can come from the storms. In Your Son's Name, amen.
The trees where shining. The sun had peeked through the heavy clouds and was making all the ice encrusted trees glisten. It was beautiful, especially with all the dark, stormy weather we've been having.
But yanno, the sun often peeks out and shines on the trees like it did. What made it so noticeable and beautiful was the coating of ice on each and every branch and twig. The ice that was a big part of the storm. The ice that was weighing down the tree limbs and rattling with every hint of a breeze. Without the ice there would have been little beauty—just winter trees in a patch of sunshine.
So often when storms overtake our lives we cry out because of the ice that seems to coat us and weigh us down. When a breeze goes past we rattle, thinking only of uncomfortable and heavy the ice is. Yet when others look at us they may see the radiance of the Son shining off us and through us. Sometimes we need the ice to reflect the Son.
Heavenly Father, help us keep our eyes so fixed on You that when the ice comes into our lives we wait eagerly for the Sonshine so we can sparkle and dance for you. Help us to accept the ice and shine for You so that beauty can come from the storms. In Your Son's Name, amen.
Shattered
So why did it shatter? We checked for bullets. Honestly, that was my first thought. Living here in the country there are times when car windows get shot out accidentally. But there was no evidence of it—thank goodness! The car was parked in front of the living room bay window and it gave me shivers to think of what could have happened. Jim called the insurance agent and the window repair people and they weren't surprised. Thermal expansion from the cold snap we had go through our area. The sudden extreme shift in temperature was too much for the glass and it shattered under the change.
Have you ever felt like that? Like things were changing too fast and you were about to shatter? Maybe you did shatter.
Something I noticed when I got in my car and took off after the window had been replaced—I could see through it so much better. The rest of the car was had road dirt on it, but that back window was crystal clear and oh-so clean. After the repair men had put in the new window, they sprayed it with a special cleaner and made it sparkle.
God does that for us too when we shatter. He doesn't always just repair the window, sometimes He replaces it and when God replaces what was broken or shattered, the change is so remarkable that it sparkles and shines. You can't miss it and things appear so much more clear than ever before.
Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt, o virgin of Israel! Again you will take up your tambourines, and go forth to the dances of the merrymakers. ~Jeremiah 31:4 NAS
If you're feeling shattered by changes in your life, let God replace things for you.
Stability!
I spent a couple of years in the shadow of Chimborazo down in Ecuador and it quickly became a source of strength for me. Even after all these years it's a symbol of stability and in these weeks of monumental change here at my house, I have a new appreciation for GOD's stability in my life. Someday even Chimbo will crumble, but God never will. Ever.
God is the stability of my times and THE wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge for me.
Exalt the Lord with me!
For more Word-filled Wednesdays, join us at...
Scorched But Satisfied
Sometimes when I round a bend in life I expect to see a beautiful pasture land. Green grass, still waters, shade... But instead I find myself in a scorched land. That's happened just recently and although I tried back-pedaling, it didn't work. (Not that it ever does.) I could smell the stench of the scorched land and I have to tell you, it almost terrified me.I sat down to work on a deadline I have and started flipping through Scripture, looking for a verse or two about having a sensitive spirit to the sin in our lives to go with the devotional that needs to be in today. But God used that time to reassure me. Every silent prayer that's been whispered in my heart recently, and every fear and doubt I had, God spoke to me about as I flipped those pages of Psalms and Isaiah. Verses that were underlined and verses that even had dates and events written beside them. Verses of healing and guidance and affirmation. Only God, who heard my prayers and my cries, could do that.
And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. ~Isaiah 58:11 NAS
He truly satisfied my desire in the scorched place, and gave me strength, and comforted me with His water.
Are you in a scorched place? God is with you and hears you when you cry out to Him.
Beyond the Rapids
I am soooo excited! Today I'm participating in Fiction Friday for the first time in ages! Welcome! =] I'm also hosting, so Linky is down at the bottom, whether you're posting fiction, too, or would like to read some other fun fiction. =]This story has been on my mind a lot recently. Not only am I polishing the manuscript this story turned into (yet again), but it also ties in with an experience I had last week. But I'll tell you about that next week. ;-)
Beyond the Rapids
Torie stood on the river bank and looked at the rapids. Her stomach churned at the thought of junior high kids canoeing down them to their next campsite. She turned to the big blond man standing beside her, “Surfer Boy, I thought we paddled an extra two hours to avoid this.”
“These aren’t real rapids; close, but not quite, and, yes, we bypassed the real ones.” Seth turned to glare at his canoe partner, “And I told you not to call me ‘Surfer Boy.’” That’s when he saw her worry. “The kids will do fine; they’re so light they’ll skim across the top without much problem.”
“What about us?” Torie asked.
“This isn’t bad, even loaded as heavily as we are with the extra gear. Maneuvering will be slower and more difficult, but I’ve shot worse without a problem.”
Later, after sending off the team leaders and kids, Seth and Torie settled into their canoe. They were bringing up the rear to help any stragglers. Seth looked at the independent, single mom he’d been teamed with at the last minute and said, “Follow my lead. If you fight me we could end up in deep trouble.”
Torie’s gaze didn’t waver from his. “I’m not a fool.”
“No, you’re not, but this isn’t something you can handle on your own.”
“Lead on, Surfer Boy,” Torie said.
Seth dug his paddle in and Torie felt the current grab them.
“Rock on the right!” She hollered as they gained speed. Seth switched sides and steered clear of it, only to push them into the path of another rock. Torie dug hard and got their nose away at the last second.
“Good save!” Seth called out just as a hidden current pulled them across another rock. Torie winced as the canoe scraped, her paddle pausing mid-air.
“Dig!” Seth hollered as he dug deep and added a twist in an effort to get clear of the rock.
Torie felt like her arms were being pulled out as the current pulled them first one way and then the other. Always into rocks. She lost count of the times they scraped: sometimes on the sides, sometimes on the bottom.
They rounded the bend and the breath caught in Torie’s throat. Ahead was a maze of rocks and white water with no apparent way through.
“Oh, no!” she said.
“Don’t let fear paralyze you and don’t watch the rocks slide past. Once our nose is past it, forget it. Just keep paddling and don’t look back.”
Torie felt like a pin-ball as they bounced from one rock to another. They were pushed toward a rock and she watched it slide past.
“Dig!” Seth’s voice cut like a whip. “Don’t look back!”
Torie’s head whipped around. Frantically she dug in, but it was too little, too late. They slammed into a boulder. The canoe shuddered and groaned. Torie held her breath, sure they would capsize, or worse, crack-up.
“Lean right!” Seth hollered as he reached out and pushed. He groaned with effort but managed to get them away just enough that they stayed in one piece and upright.
Just as suddenly as the rapids had started they ended and they were shooting along calm water.
********
Later that evening Torie slipped into the deep shadows near the river. Her mind swirled and raced just as the river had. Another shadow materialized nearby.
“You did good today.” Seth said quietly.
“I choked and we almost bought it. That’s not good.”
“Life’s a lot like shooting rapids. You can’t go through life without hitting rocks; you just can’t keep looking back once you’re past them. You have let go and get ready for the next run. If you look back you’ll crack up on the next boulder without even knowing it was coming.”
Torie sat and listened to the river for a long while, thinking. Eventually she blew out the breath she’d been holding. “Thank you for keeping us in one piece and dry today. And thank you for sharing what you just did.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “You’re right. I’ve gone through life always looking back at my mistakes and I’ve run into countless boulders as a result. It’s time to turn around and get paddling again.” She turned her head toward him, “Thank you, Seth.”
“You called me ‘Seth.’” Amazement laced his voice.
Torie laughed. “Don’t get used to it, Surfer Boy, and don’t get a fat head because I said you’re right.”
If you're posting some of your own fiction today, add your name to Linky, but if you'd just like to read some of my friends' fiction, we'd love to have you click through to their blogs and enjoy! Happy Friday!
ps Things should be more back to normal on here next week. ;-)
From These Ashes
This is a story that is near and dear to my heart because the setting is where I consider home--Ecuador. This is fiction, but things like this happen.
~*~*~*~*~*~
From These Ashes
They're too weak to bear this, Lord. Jared slumped against the mud courtyard wall and looked at the church. Pieces of jagged glass clung to charred window frames, bearing testimony of the destruction within the cinder block walls. Tendrils of smoke curled out from the smoldering heap that was once a pulpit and simple wooden pews.
Jared raised his eyes to the roof of the building. Even the cross Marco made, Lord, it's gone. And the new Bibles and hymnbooks. Oh, Lord, I wish I hadn't brought them over last night. His eyes slid closed as his chin dropped onto his chest.
At the squeal of the gate Jared looked up. Marco stepped in and stood surveying the damage the vandals had done. Looking up at the roof, his eyes narrowed and his jaw set, but he said nothing. He turned and looked around the courtyard at the garbage that had been dumped and strewn around. Shaking his head, he walked back out the gate without looking back.
Jared's head fell back against the wall and his eyes burned from more than just smoke. Lord, Marco is leaving--the man I thought could someday be the pastor here.
Jared heard the gate clanking, but didn't open his eyes. He didn't want to see any one else turn away. After a moment, a scraping noise grated on his ears and he raised his head.
“Marco. What are you doing?” he asked.
Marco leaned on the handle of his shovel. “We have a service here in 30 minutes and I thought it'd be more pleasant if we didn't have to stand amidst the garbage.”
“I don't know that it will make a difference.”
Marco looked down, scraping the sole of his worn shoe on the shovel. Scratching his trimmed, black beard he looked at Jared. “That's just a building, Pastor,” he said. “The people, the true church, will still be here in 30 minutes.”
Will they come, though?
The gate squealed again and a group of women entered, each carrying a broom. Their hushed talk ceased as they stood in the courtyard.
Tears rolled down Carmen's face as she looked at the destruction. “Those men who did this are fighting against God. They think that burning the church will put an end to God pursuing them, but they're wrong. We need to pray even harder for them now.”
Jared rose to his feet, emotion filling his throat as he reached for the extra shovel Marco had brought. Here I was, thinking they weren't strong enough to handle this, Lord, and they're praying for the ones who did it. Forgive me, Father, and help me learn from them. Give me the wisdom to handle this correctly. Please, use this for Your glory.
Garbage quickly gave way to people as they trickled in, each whispering about the men who they suspected of destroying the church. Each week two or three men had been across the street, scoffing as people came and went from church. They were the star players of the towns' soccer team and were influential with the men of the town. Many church people had been praying specifically for their salvation. This morning they were nowhere to be found.
Jared wiped his hands on a rag as he looked around at the group gathered in the courtyard. Father, they're all here. Not one is missing.
Marco stood beside him, grinning. “This is the church, Pastor.”
Jared smiled, struggling to find his voice. “How did you become so wise, my friend?”
“You taught me that, just as you taught me that good can come from these ashes.”
Lord, bring beauty from these ashes...
Jared raised his hands, and in a clear, strong voice he led his flock. “Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow...”
When the last notes faded away Jared raised his voice again. “Jesus asked Peter an important question one time. He asked, 'Who do you say that I am?' and Peter answered, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus' response was, 'and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.'*” Jared turned and reached for his Bible.
Pray for the men who did this, Jared.
Now, Lord?
Now.
Jared turned back to the group without his Bible. “Pray with me. Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for those that did this. Let them see that burning a church will not put an end to You pursuing them. Don't let go of them until they stop fighting against You and completely surrender to You. Open their hearts to Your love and forgiveness. Please, Lord, do not let go of them; draw them to Yourself and make them one of Your beloved children. In the name of Jesus, Your resurrected Son, I pray, amen.”
Hiding in the shadows of the alley, a man who reeked of whiskey, wood smoke and garbage wrapped his arms around himself as his head dropped and his shoulders shook.
* Matthew 16:15-18 (NASB)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I'm so excited! This is the first time I've been able to participate in Fiction Friday for months. And the first time I've participated since passing on the baton. I meant to announce to everyone that Fiction Friday is now hosted by Karlene, a wonderful Faithwriters friend I got to meet in August at the conference. Karlene is a doll. Sweet, fun to be with and a servant's heart. I was thrilled when she said she would take over Fiction Friday for us. Thank you, Karlene! I'm so thankful for you!!
For links to more fun fiction stop by this week's host, Stina at With Pen in Hand.
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Missions and missionaries are much on my mind these days, especially with Heidi's Candle in the Corner missions spotlights going on. Be sure to stop by and check it out and participate!
You'll also find this story at Journey Ezine, a wonderful mission outreach ezine. Check them out!
From These Ashes
They're too weak to bear this, Lord. Jared slumped against the mud courtyard wall and looked at the church. Pieces of jagged glass clung to charred window frames, bearing testimony of the destruction within the cinder block walls. Tendrils of smoke curled out from the smoldering heap that was once a pulpit and simple wooden pews.
Jared raised his eyes to the roof of the building. Even the cross Marco made, Lord, it's gone. And the new Bibles and hymnbooks. Oh, Lord, I wish I hadn't brought them over last night. His eyes slid closed as his chin dropped onto his chest.
At the squeal of the gate Jared looked up. Marco stepped in and stood surveying the damage the vandals had done. Looking up at the roof, his eyes narrowed and his jaw set, but he said nothing. He turned and looked around the courtyard at the garbage that had been dumped and strewn around. Shaking his head, he walked back out the gate without looking back.
Jared's head fell back against the wall and his eyes burned from more than just smoke. Lord, Marco is leaving--the man I thought could someday be the pastor here.
Jared heard the gate clanking, but didn't open his eyes. He didn't want to see any one else turn away. After a moment, a scraping noise grated on his ears and he raised his head.
“Marco. What are you doing?” he asked.
Marco leaned on the handle of his shovel. “We have a service here in 30 minutes and I thought it'd be more pleasant if we didn't have to stand amidst the garbage.”
“I don't know that it will make a difference.”
Marco looked down, scraping the sole of his worn shoe on the shovel. Scratching his trimmed, black beard he looked at Jared. “That's just a building, Pastor,” he said. “The people, the true church, will still be here in 30 minutes.”
Will they come, though?
The gate squealed again and a group of women entered, each carrying a broom. Their hushed talk ceased as they stood in the courtyard.
Tears rolled down Carmen's face as she looked at the destruction. “Those men who did this are fighting against God. They think that burning the church will put an end to God pursuing them, but they're wrong. We need to pray even harder for them now.”
Jared rose to his feet, emotion filling his throat as he reached for the extra shovel Marco had brought. Here I was, thinking they weren't strong enough to handle this, Lord, and they're praying for the ones who did it. Forgive me, Father, and help me learn from them. Give me the wisdom to handle this correctly. Please, use this for Your glory.
Garbage quickly gave way to people as they trickled in, each whispering about the men who they suspected of destroying the church. Each week two or three men had been across the street, scoffing as people came and went from church. They were the star players of the towns' soccer team and were influential with the men of the town. Many church people had been praying specifically for their salvation. This morning they were nowhere to be found.
Jared wiped his hands on a rag as he looked around at the group gathered in the courtyard. Father, they're all here. Not one is missing.
Marco stood beside him, grinning. “This is the church, Pastor.”
Jared smiled, struggling to find his voice. “How did you become so wise, my friend?”
“You taught me that, just as you taught me that good can come from these ashes.”
Lord, bring beauty from these ashes...
Jared raised his hands, and in a clear, strong voice he led his flock. “Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow...”
When the last notes faded away Jared raised his voice again. “Jesus asked Peter an important question one time. He asked, 'Who do you say that I am?' and Peter answered, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus' response was, 'and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.'*” Jared turned and reached for his Bible.
Pray for the men who did this, Jared.
Now, Lord?
Now.
Jared turned back to the group without his Bible. “Pray with me. Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for those that did this. Let them see that burning a church will not put an end to You pursuing them. Don't let go of them until they stop fighting against You and completely surrender to You. Open their hearts to Your love and forgiveness. Please, Lord, do not let go of them; draw them to Yourself and make them one of Your beloved children. In the name of Jesus, Your resurrected Son, I pray, amen.”
Hiding in the shadows of the alley, a man who reeked of whiskey, wood smoke and garbage wrapped his arms around himself as his head dropped and his shoulders shook.
* Matthew 16:15-18 (NASB)
I'm so excited! This is the first time I've been able to participate in Fiction Friday for months. And the first time I've participated since passing on the baton. I meant to announce to everyone that Fiction Friday is now hosted by Karlene, a wonderful Faithwriters friend I got to meet in August at the conference. Karlene is a doll. Sweet, fun to be with and a servant's heart. I was thrilled when she said she would take over Fiction Friday for us. Thank you, Karlene! I'm so thankful for you!!
For links to more fun fiction stop by this week's host, Stina at With Pen in Hand.
Missions and missionaries are much on my mind these days, especially with Heidi's Candle in the Corner missions spotlights going on. Be sure to stop by and check it out and participate!
You'll also find this story at Journey Ezine, a wonderful mission outreach ezine. Check them out!
Before the Rain
It's a dark and cloudy day, not just outside, but in my soul, too. I'm tired and discouraged with my short comings. I feel as though I haven't been able to keep up with anything in life right now.
I find myself looking up at heavy clouds and crying out, “Please, Lord, rain on me! Shower me with Your life-giving rain. Renew me with Your showers of blessings that I might once again dance in the rain.”
As I stand there looking up at the rain-laden clouds, with my hands outstretched in supplication and to feel the first drops falling, I hear a still voice in my soul.
“Will you dance in anticipation of the rain?”
Slowly my hands fall to my side. He wants me to dance under the dark clouds, not just the rain and sunshine. He wants me to choose to rejoice in the life-giving rain before it even comes.
Through an act of will I lift my foot and begin to dance. A rain dance to Jesus. A rain dance of faith knowing He will send down showers that will refresh and nourish my parched soul. A rain dance of thanksgiving for the showers I trust Him to send.
The clouds are just as dark as they were, and the rain hasn't started yet, but I know that He “will cause showers to come in their season;” and that they will be showers of blessing. (Ezekiel 34:26) So I'm choosing to dance in anticipation and praise, trusting my God for the showers to water my dry spirit.
What about you? Are you dancing or standing there looking up at the sky?
There are two book giveaways going on right now here at Patterings. One with Mary Hake and the other with Maureen Lang. Leave a comment on those posts to be entered in the drawings.
I find myself looking up at heavy clouds and crying out, “Please, Lord, rain on me! Shower me with Your life-giving rain. Renew me with Your showers of blessings that I might once again dance in the rain.”
As I stand there looking up at the rain-laden clouds, with my hands outstretched in supplication and to feel the first drops falling, I hear a still voice in my soul.
“Will you dance in anticipation of the rain?”
Slowly my hands fall to my side. He wants me to dance under the dark clouds, not just the rain and sunshine. He wants me to choose to rejoice in the life-giving rain before it even comes.
Through an act of will I lift my foot and begin to dance. A rain dance to Jesus. A rain dance of faith knowing He will send down showers that will refresh and nourish my parched soul. A rain dance of thanksgiving for the showers I trust Him to send.
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth... O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.~Psalm 34:1-3
The clouds are just as dark as they were, and the rain hasn't started yet, but I know that He “will cause showers to come in their season;” and that they will be showers of blessing. (Ezekiel 34:26) So I'm choosing to dance in anticipation and praise, trusting my God for the showers to water my dry spirit.
What about you? Are you dancing or standing there looking up at the sky?
There are two book giveaways going on right now here at Patterings. One with Mary Hake and the other with Maureen Lang. Leave a comment on those posts to be entered in the drawings.
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