God – Page 9 – B Is for Blessed!

Be Renewed!

I recently heard a sermon regarding the importance of “quiet time.” In our electronic age of email, texts, and other “alerts” it can become harder to experience peace and quiet. As we are increasingly connected to one another we may risk becoming “disconnected” from our Creator.

Time without digital distractions or other deterrents is vital if we are to be continually renewed.

Daily renewal requires a daily Word.

What we need today isn’t necessarily sufficient for tomorrow. As fresh manna fed the body, a timely word feeds the spirit.

When the Israelites tried to save manna from one day to the next, it spoiled and become inedible. Just like them, we need to trust God to “feed” us daily as well. Gaining God’s renewal requires that we make ourselves available to receive it.

Very rarely can I hear from God with a lot of noise going on. I admit I am easily distracted. I have to mentally hang up a “Do not disturb” so I can receive the renewal I desperately need.

It is only in silence that I hear God’s still small voice. When I prioritize time for a new Word or to simply “be still,” I am far less prone to make poor choices.

Renewal is essential for a “blessed life.”

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s Psalm 103:4-5 NKJV

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God Romans 12:2 NKJV

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, Titus 3:4-6 NKJV

Proactively reduce the “noise” in your life. Allocate time for God and minimize strife.

We are all weary at times but we don’t have to stay that way. Moments of peace, a new Word and a fresh perspective will renew and equip us for whatever God is calling us to do.

Don’t long for yesterday’s blessings. Rejoice in today’s possibilities.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NKJV

Morning…

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:22-24 NKJV

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5 NKJV

As you do not know the path of the wind,
or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the Maker of all things.

Sow your seed in the morning,
and at evening let your hands not be idle,
for you do not know which will succeed,
whether this or that,
or whether both will do equally well. Ecclesiastes 11:5-7 NIV

Peace Keepers!

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification,” Romans 14:19 NIV.

Paul was addressing Christians who were debating dietary restrictions. Paul saw their argument as insignificant, teaching them instead that God’s kingdom is more than food or drink and is of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

We often allow ourselves to become bogged down in petty disputes. Trivial disagreements can often blow up to gargantuan proportions. Sometimes we are so determined to be right that we fail to realize when an argument is no longer relevant in the greater scheme of things.

Paul instructs us to make every effort to be peaceful and do what leads to “mutual edification.” We are implored to build one another up, not tear each other down.

When we go to extremes to prove our point or have the last word is that really satisfying? We can either draw people nearer to God with our actions or push them away. Do you have what it takes to listen to others, let alone respect their right to a differing opinion?

We won’t always agree with everyone but we should at least be able to communicate in a civilized manner. It isn’t necessary that we jump on every opportunity to prove others wrong.

We would all do well to evaluate the words we choose. Are our words helpful? Can they change a situation for the better? Or do we choose to expose the faults of others only to feel better about ourselves?

Sometimes silence is the best solution. What we choose not to say is just as significant as the words we utter. When we choose not to condemn, criticize or gossip we perpetuate peace, not chaos.

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body, It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell,” James 3:5-6 NIV.

Every situation does not require our commentary. How often can we mirror God’s love by keeping quiet? Instead of commenting on what other people do, what if we prayed for them? What if we focused on correcting our flaws instead of exposing those of others?

God commands us to love Him and our brothers and sisters.

It is easy to love God. Loving our brothers and sisters is often much harder.

“My command is this; Love each other as I have loved you,” John 15:12 NIV.

“As I have loved you.”

Jesus showed compassion. Jesus forgave the very people crucifying Him. He even prayed for them! Jesus didn’t cast stones. Jesus met people right where they were, imperfections and all.

It isn’t always easy to love like Jesus, but shouldn’t we at least try?

“Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God,” Matthew 5:9 KJV

Fathers…

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:2-4 NKJV

One of my first memories of my father is standing in the yard with him as he examined a blooming hydrangea. I have several planted in my yard in his memory. Like my mother, Daddy enjoyed working in the yard.

He wasn’t the most talkative Dad but the bits of wisdom he offered certainly stuck with me. He wasn’t one to preach, but rather taught by example. He was loyal to his friends and never shied away from having a good time. Daddy believed in the merits of hard work and giving everything you did your very best.

Daddy was also a humble man. I didn’t learn about many of his greatest accomplishments until I read his obituary. We often take for granted the people closest to us and the ones we love the most. I didn’t get to tell Daddy I loved him that one last time as planned. He slipped away just hours before I could make it home.

Thankfully, our eternal Father never leaves us.

God is always present, yet I believe even He appreciates an “I love you” or a “thank you“ from us as flawed as we are.

Our Heavenly Father wants us to believe that He is here for us, provides for us and that we can trust Him even as the people in our lives disappoint.

If your earthly father was less than stellar, God is more than able to fill that gap.

Trust God.

Like a good parent, God doesn’t always give us what we want, but definitely provides what we need. If only we would seek Him and run toward Him with childlike faith could we begin to grasp just how much our God cares for us!

And should you happen to have a father still here on earth, love him. Enjoy Him. Appreciate him.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all those fathers, uncles, teachers, coaches and other great men who tackle the role of “Dad.” Bless you who are strong when we are weak, provide wisdom and shelter us from life’s storms. Thank you who pulled us up when we fell down.

In memory of fathers who served and sacrificed, held thankless jobs and simply did the best they could…

“I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV

Renew!

“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 NKJV

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NKJV

Take a few moments to enjoy your weekend.

Relax. Refresh. Renew!

HEAR! HEAR!!

“Today, if you will hear His voice,Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion…” Hebrews 3:8 NKJV

Today my oldest son stated that I’m “less judgmental than I was five to seven years ago.”

Surely, I hadn’t heard him correctly. “Excuse me?!”

Was I a terror those years ago?

Maybe.

My mini-me calls it like he sees it.

He views most churches as “hypocritical.” He believes many Christians are judgmental and don’t even attempt to love their “neighbors” as Jesus instructed.

Teenagers.

So, annoying when they are correct.

Thankfully, the kid does believe in God.

Faith in organized “church?”

Not so much.

Yet, he managed to hear something today that penetrated his thick skull.Today’s sermon focused on the second chapter of James, especially the verses about favoritism and mercy.

The chapter ends with “Mercy triumphs over judgement.”

“Less judgmental.”

Seven or so years ago, I had a lot going on. Lots of changes, not all of them positive. I’ve had my “trials” that effectively served up a fair dose of correction, humility and mercy.

Like most people, I was trying to do my best. However, it was not good enough. I’m pretty sure I was left tired, angry, and bitter. I thought I was keeping my feelings to myself.

Apparently not.

Cam’s comment made me realize that people tend to be most judgmental when they are angry, broken and in a state of struggle. Lashing out at others is one way insecure and bitter people vent, release anger and irrationally view themselves in a more positive light.

What are we really doing when tearing others down?

Are our motives pure?

Is condemning people the way to draw them to God?

Judgement is not the love Christ commanded. Let alone mercy.

Jesus loved the people who needed Him most. Tax collectors. Harlots. Sinners.

People repented when healed, loved and touched by the Master. It is the “sick” who need the Physician. We are all “sick” at various times in our lives.

God’s love transforms people.

I am grateful God has made me less judgmental, at least in my child’s eyes. I am trying to parent by example. Trying.

Most of us strive to behave better, but how can we gauge our progress?

My oldest child provides checks and balances for me. Even if unsolicited.

If we take time to truly listen to others, we may learn from them where we are in regards to the changes we seek.

Is a compliment on my new outfit an indicator that I’m stylish, or a reminder I’m spending money I should be saving?

If someone comments they haven’t seen you in a while, does it mean you’ve abandoned “questionable” company or confirmation your church participation may not be what it should be?

God often speaks to us through other people, if only we have ears to hear…

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Matthew 11:15 NKJV

Bloom!

My inspiration for my blog God autism and me turned sixteen this month!

As I look back, I realize the progress we have made is miraculous. My tears are no longer out of frustration but from joy.

I’m not sure exactly when I was able to breathe without fearing a phone call from the school. Yet today, my youngest is increasingly independent and learning to solve problems on his own.

He began this school year taunted by bullies and almost removed from his favorite class because of them. Yet, he finished the year on the honor roll earning the opportunity to play in the marching band next year with his brother.

Somewhere among the midst of IEPs, after school tutoring and endless hours of homework, Lan and I both began to bloom.

We are no longer closed off from others but rather optimistic instead of dreading what lies around the next corner.

Lan’s symptoms haven’t disappeared. However, we now manage them instead of stifle them.

Here are sixteen things God has taught me via autism.

How to improvise

How to find hope in all circumstances.

I am not in control. God’s got this!

How to open my mind up for the improbable

How to open my faith up for the impossible

Love and encouragement produce more than strict regimens

It’s okay not to be okay

I don’t have to be perfect

Perfection doesn’t exist on this earth

What once worked won’t always work.

With God, I am stronger than I ever imagined

My child is tough, resilient, and aware of everything!

How to bend without breaking

Sometimes you just have to make your own way.

Angels are among us in the guise of teachers, counselors and others

God’s not done with us yet!

You see, the photos of the flowers featured here “should” have bloomed nearly two months ago. My lilies have always bloomed around Easter no matter what. Yet, here they stand blooming far later than usual, lovelier and stronger than ever before.

We can do the same.

Sometimes we give up our joy when we don’t meet expectations created by others. It is easy to close up and fail to discover the gifts God places within us. We can’t acknowledge our talents let alone nurture them if we always focus on the “negatives.”

I challenge you to “open up” to possibilities you may have never considered before. Explore alternatives you may have once dismissed. Dare to reach out to new people and see if God doesn’t reveal fresh solutions to old problems!

With every passing year, my lilies grow taller and stronger. The dormant bulbs weather the frozen ground. Their strong stalks withstand spring storms. Their colorful blooms don’t wilt under the sun.

And that is exactly what God wants for us.

Like lilies, we go through seasons of dormancy where it looks like nothing is happening. But under the warmth of the sun, there is always the potential to produce something beautiful. Unlike the lily, we make the choice either to bloom or withdraw from the Son.

I choose to trust God.

Lan chooses not to be defined by a diagnosis.

What about you?

Choose to Bloom.

Home!

A few days ago I enjoyed the opportunity to go home.

Not to the house in Georgia where I live with my husband and two boys but back home to my mother’s house where I grew up and lived for nearly twenty years.

Everyone should have a “safe” place to turn.

Not necessarily a physical structure, or even a destination but a corner of the world where one can retreat and just…be.

We are often called upon to be many thing in our lifetimes. A spouse. A parent. A child.

Employer. Employee.

Supervisor, facilitator, worker bee.

We are often labeled by others and even label ourselves to such a degree it is quite easily to forget who we were created to be.

I can’t always run home to mom when the urge hits me like a hammer, but my Father is always near.

Unlike people, God understands every hurt and pain. He is ever-present waiting for us to ask Him, like a small child, for direction. Why this and not that? God protects. God is patient. I don’t even have to drive for hours to find His understanding.

There is a quote “you can’t go home again.”

I beg to differ.

Yet, home will inevitably change.

What once loomed large is now quite small. What was once so small now towers over you.

Roles change.

Perspective changes.

The things you took for granted can become oh, so precious.

My daddy planted Magnolias in the yard when I was about two years old. They were very small plants when he placed them in the ground. I doubt he ever imagined how tall they would become. They are several stories tall.

He passed away years ago but when I look upon the trees, I can smile.

Likewise, I planted ivy the year I married and moved out of my parents’ house and it is now everywhere!

I know my mother shakes her head each morning as she walks by it to get the paper. I’ve left a bit of myself (maybe too much!) there in the shadows of trees my father planted.

Just like my physical father, God “planted” things for me and even in me to grow.

Faith. Love. Hope.

I can smile at the growth from the many “trees” God planted for me now. I didn’t always appreciate the “trials” necessary for them to mature but in hindsight I am so glad He did!

Home is any place where I can just be me.

The “me” God created me to be!

Not a person scrambling to meet the expectations of others. Or, a person failing to meet my own goals and aspirations in what I perceive to be timely manner.

Home is where I can sit and smile and hear God talk to me. Leisurely. Familiarly.

I am grateful I don’t have to travel to God. He is always near.

What about you? Are you home yet?

The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just. Proverbs 3:33 NKJV

Hopeful?

As I read this morning the word hope jumped out at me. It has haunted me lately in the words I hear and things I read.

I consider myself a rather positive person, trying to see the best in people and situations. I’ve learned to trust and realize that God often uses the worst situations to bring out the best in people.

I have had faith. But hope…I’m not so sure.

I’ve been faith filled that God will resolve my problems, predicaments or whatever I’m dealing with yet it I think I’ve managed to do so without being hopeful.

Merriam Webster defines hope as to “cherish a desire with anticipation.” Cherish is defined “to feel or show great love.”

Faith on the other hand is “belief and trust in God.”

I have believed and trusted God but I haven’t always “cherished with desire” and certainly not in a loving manner in regards to some of the changes I would like to see.”

Sadly, frustration with various circumstances can leave me far from loving.

It is easy for me to believe God can do whatever needs to be done, but today I realize I have not anticipated His deliverance with “great love.”

Desperation?

Maybe.

Love?

Not so much.

I wonder if some of the changes I’d like to see would come about if I not only believed God can change them but I acknowledged with hope that He loves me enough to change them?

I have had ample trust enough to survive varied circumstances, yet I’ve failed sometimes to be hopeful with the expectation to thrive beyond them!

What an eye opener for me this morning when Jennifer over at I Give God all the Glory passed along Psalms 33 for me to read. In particular, Psalm 33:20-22 set off an alarm in my head.

Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name.
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.

Trust and hope.

I always thought faith was enough. But now…

I love my kids. I know I am pleased when one of my boys trusts me and expects something good is going to happen. I like it when they trust me and know I’ve moved beyond whatever mistakes they made and they can anticipate a gift I wrapped for them is going to be something they have “hoped” for.

Wouldn’t our Father be just as pleased?

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 1:13 NKJV

Abide these three.

Maybe hope is what I’ve been missing all along…

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 1 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV

Wait For It…

“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary,They shall walk and not faint” Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

As I was in the yard today, a beautiful hawk flew overhead. The first time it flew over me I was in such awe I forgot I had a camera hanging around my neck. I told God how beautiful it was and He sent it back to me not once but twice!

Usually when I hear hawks, I must search for them to get the shot.

But I didn’t have to do that today.

It came to me.

This was a great reminder that sometimes the things we long for, pray for and even struggle for, God will send to us.

We don’t always have to chase them!

I’m very much a work hard and earn it kind of gal. I try to instill that ethic into my teenagers. Yet, sometimes I can become so blinded by the work mentality, I don’t give myself adequate room to receive God’s grace.

Today’s hawk reminded me we don’t earn the grace God gives us. He freely sends it our way. Sometimes we can become so fixated on a painful past we fail to envision the new thing God is trying to give us!

I have managed to provide my kids with the things they need. However, I also enjoy surprising my kids with the things they want. This is especially true when they work hard or give something their all.

I don’t know why is it often so hard to grasp that our Father is willing to do the same for us as well? When we seek God, we please God.

I’ve tried harder lately to seek God so I can see God all around me. This has not become a chore or a “to do” but rather treasured time that has given me more than I ever imagined.

So, two weeks ago when God gave me an unexpected gift, I embraced it.

I won a prize in a writing contest. I did not ask a million questions. I did not over think it. I just said “thank you.” The prize offered a solution to a dilemma I’d been pondering for nearly two years! My prize was a gift of favor and it was also a gift of encouragement.

Then last week God gave me another gift.

I’d lost something a while back and decided to just be grateful for all the other blessings in my life. I was determined not to focus on what I lost.

But God gave it back to me.

Unexpectedly.

Miraculously.

God offers a season of favor after a season of struggle. Just as spring follows winter, new life, new hopes and new opportunities follow our cold winters and harsh storms.

Yet, if we become accustomed to the struggle of the storm, especially a lengthy battle, we may fail to embrace the warmth that ushers in new life.

Our storms never displace the sun. It is the Son/sun that dries up our rain.

We’d all do well to abide sometimes instead of constantly strive.

Allow yourself that undeserved grace.

Fuel your faith like never before.

Wait and see what God brings to you…

Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him.

Isaiah 30:18 NKJV