What Are You Doing For Heaven’s Sake?

I wonder today what are you doing on this earth for Heaven’s sake? Psalm 139: 16 (NLT) says,“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”

God had a plan for you before you were even born. He uniquely formed you with the talents and traits to make that plan a possibility. He placed dreams in your mind and heart to make your life full and satisfying. Are you living the dreams He has for you? If not, take some time to seek his will for your life right now. We moved almost four years ago and I have struggled with His plans for me in this place at this time. I am seeking right along with you on this journey. I wonder if you think you have no talent for Heaven’s sake. Scripture tells us that the apostle Paul struggled with something in his life. Three times he “begged” the Lord to remove it, but the Lord did not. Paul ultimately decided to accept the weakness and let God use him anyway. He even decided to boast in the weakness. I do not think we should put ourselves down, but I do think God cares much more about our availability than our abilities! He is the one who will equip us and make us able to the tasks He has for us. Are people keeping you from doing something for Heaven’s sake? We all have someone (or several someones) who can keep us from doing God’s will. Perhaps you have a critical person who just loves to put you down. Maybe there is something in your past that brings you shame, and you are afraid to step out in faith because of someone judging you. There might be a heartbreak in your past that makes it difficult to trust. God has already made provision for these things and so much more. Trust Him as you step out. Only you can accomplish what He has planned for you to do for Heaven’s sake. Often times, it just seems easier to let someone else do what you are called to do. If you fall into that trap, you will miss the blessing of completing the job yourself. Use your talents, your story and your gifts to encourage others for Heaven’s sake. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Be your own Masterpiece for Heaven’s Sake!

SOME GREAT GIFTS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

The LORD has done great things for us and we are filled with joy!

Psalms 126:3 

When we began to decorate our Christmas tree with stars, I picked them up at Hobby Lobby, Michaels and craft shows. Friends began to give them to me and we would look for them whenever we traveled. Most of the earlier ones that were 6 for a dollar have been replaced with ones that have sentimental value!

A couple of years ago David and I took a trip to Alaska. It had been on his bucket list for some time. As we went from place to place we kept looking for a star ornament. Since the North Star was part of the Alaskan flag, we thought it would be a cinch to find. We couldn’t find one anywhere. On one of our last days, I found one in a shop. They were in a basket by the register and were small. Just a little bigger than a quarter. I showed it to David and we put it with a couple
wooden butter knives and went to pay out. The knives were $3 each. When she rang them up, the total was almost $100.00! Thinking surely there was a mistake, I questioned the native sales lady. She explained my tiny star was from the antler of a reindeer and was $70.00! David knew I was ready to take it off my tab and quickly intervened.

Our Alaskan cruise was such a gift for my husband. Almost every picture I took was of him looking at the natural wonders there. I would catch him on our room’s balcony weeping over the beauty all around him. Every Christmas as we put my expensive little star on our tree, I get to celebrate this man who is always a gift to me.  ( When we take the tree down the star is put up separately. I don’t want my kids getting rid of it, when we are gone! )

What are you celebrating this year? 2020 has been full of disappointments and if we are not careful we will miss some celebrations God provided for us. Put the good dishes on the table, light some candles and throw some confetti, Have a party to remember the great things in your life. 

 

IF YOU CAN’T GET OUT OF IT, LEAN INTO IT

“Not that I have already obtained all of this, or have 

already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that which 

Christ Jesus took hold of me.    Phil. 3:12

I use my phone to make grocery lists, to take notes from sermons and to write down ideas that grab my attention.  Back in Augusts of 2017, I wrote the words, “if you can’t get out of it, lean into it.”  I don’t remember where or why or even who uttered those words, but today I find they speak to me. 

Since February, I have made plans for the worst-case scenario.  Just in case the virus became widespread, I stocked up on Vitamin C and extra food.  I never considered we would be separated at least six feet from our little worlds.  It never entered my mind that I would not be able to see my children and grandchildren whenever I took a notion.  This morning, as I lay in my safe, comfortable bed, I told the Lord, “I’ve lost patience with this virus!”  (In my spirit, I might have heard, that He was losing patience with me!)


As I took my coffee and Bible to the table and began to pray, I wondered what God’s plan was for me in 2020.    I wondered what His plan was during coronavirus.   I wondered if God was finished with me. The Scriptures above spoke to me this morning.  God took hold of me when I was a young girl and placed a calling on my life, but I’m not currently doing a good job with that calling.  


The fact is, we are all stuck where we are until this virus runs its course.  Lives are being changed and challenged daily, but there is no getting out of it.  It’s time we “leaned into it” and looked for the places God wants to use us in this time.   


What is it that Christ took hold of you to do?  How are you using the gifts he bestowed on you?  Churches and Schools have moved online.  Singers are singing online.  People are standing outside doors and windows encouraging others.  Neighbors are praying and applauding those who work in healthcare.  Ask Him how He wants you to minister during these trying times. Then let’s all get busy!

P.S  If I can pray for you, please let me know.  I've got nothing but time!

A FEW FUNNY THOUGHTS

  

Yesterday I posted an entry that was spiritual and a little serious about this pandemic.  Here are a few things that I think on that are not so serious.  

1. Everyone is locked at home and there is really nothing on the television worth watching.  We don’t want to stay on the news channels, or we would lose all hope.  I wonder if others are watching as much of HGTV as we are.  David walked in the other day to see me measuring a wall to tear down.  He said NO.  He is so rude, I mean what does “load bearing” mean anyway.  

2.    A note for future pandemics, the “bob” haircut is not aging well in the days of no hair appointments.   I currently look homeless and David is watching YouTube videos to see if he can help me out. 

3.  I have washed my hands so much they have aged decades beyond my years (and trust me there are not that many decades to age beyond my years.)


4.   I’m trying to sleep more so that I will not be awake so many hours that can lead to more eating.  This practice has led to possible bed sores!

5.    I downloaded a guide to declutter your house in 30 days.  We fell apart on day 1.  

6.  Because of our lack of success in #5, we are so grateful, we are not needing to homeschool anyone. 

7.  Desperate times call for desperate measures, I have started a sourdough starter.  You have to remember to "feed" it every day.  Because of #5, I'm a little concerned it might starve.  My Pioneer friend, Connie, is going to be so proud of me!

8.  We have a little Yorkie, Sassy, that we have spoiled so much.  We are now discussing what will happen to her little rotten self if something happens to us.  She is very needy, but super cute.  If we get sick, I will be taking applications.

You guys take care.  You are greatly loved and fervently prayed for. 

  

FAITH IN THE FIRE Daniel 3

Along about the second week in March, time changed for David and me.  We have spent the most part of the past almost 4 decades telling our boys what they should be doing.  In March, they turned the tables and told us we were grounded and were confined to our home until further notice.  This is also the time the media began calling people over 60 “elderly”!  While it has been a bit challenging, we are healthy, happy and have a pantry full of food.  We have been spared from most of the trials so many are going through.  Each night, I lay awake praying for those who are suffering through this awful pandemic.  I don’t know what the future holds for any of us, but I do know God has us in His hands right now.


I have always loved the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  As you read Daniel 3, you will find the young Hebrew men refusing to bow down to the idol made by King Nebuchadnezzar.  He was getting ready to throw them into a fiery furnace that had been heated up 7 times hotter than normal.  The brave young men faced the angry King and then said “Our God CAN deliver us, but even if He DOES NOT,  He is still good.”  The men were thrown into the fiery furnace. When the King looked in, instead of them being consumed by the fire,  he saw a 4^th man in the fire!


I heard a sermon several weeks ago on these Scriptures.  The Pastor said, “We know from Scripture that the King and his soldiers saw the 4^th man in the fire, but we are not told that the 3 Hebrew men saw who was in the fire with them.” 

What we are told is that the 3 men came out of the fire, not scorched, not burned and they didn’t even smell like smoke!  We also know that the King then recognized the power of the God they served.  Honestly, how is that possible?   I can’t go to a restaurant where they are cooking fajitas without having to wash my hair and clothes to get the smell of smoke out!



My encouragement to you is to keep your faith in this current fire.  Even if we don’t happen to see Jesus with us, others will.  Trust the One who has been faithful in the past.  Trust the One who knit you together in your Mother's womb.  

Every time I walk down the hall to our bedroom, I'm reminded of this message.  I'm not sure what will happen to David and I, but I do know the God I have served since I was a litle girl will bring us through, whether here in this world or in eternity with Him. 

LET THEM BE LITTLE

“Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

This time of year is so wonderful with children.  It is also a stressful time.  The kids are tired of school, excited about presents and probably partaking of way too much sugar.  They pull at your heartstrings one minute and the next minute send you searching for the wooden spoon to help them remember their manners.  It has also been raining non-stop in my part of the country and my daughter-in-loves are needing a big space to send my precious grandchildren somewhere to run off some energy.  

Children lose the opportunity to remain innocent these days way too early.  The world conspires to involve them in too many adult subjects and situations.  Instead of playing they are being played in social and political circumstances far above their understanding.   
Despite all the challenges, do not miss the opportunities this time allows to teach your little ones about Jesus and how He can change their life forever.  What’s more, if we could see this Christmas season from their point of view, we just might catch a glimpse of the wonder as well.

A WEARY WORLD

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David, A Savior, which is Christ, the Lord

Luke 2:10-11

My goodness, can the world grow any wearier?  Headlines are depressing, children are being hurt daily, unsuspecting teen-agers are being taken for nefarious reasons.  I find myself on my knees more often then not praying for my grandchildren and their friends.  It seems a totally different world than when we raised our boys.  Sometimes I lose sight of the end of the story.  God’s Son, Jesus, will have the ultimate victory.  Sin will be defeated, and innocent lives will be avenged.  

The story ends with a battle, but it began in a stable with a birth of a baby.  When the angel appeared to the shepherds, he brought some directions for them and they stand true for us today. 
1.       Fear Not- Don’t be afraid

2.       Jesus brings good tidings of great joy for everyone 

It falls to you and I who carry His name to continue to speak and spread those tidings of great joy.  The weary world needs us to tell it about Him.  We all could use a thrill of hope today!

“O holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appears and the Spirit felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O holy night, O night divine!”