Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest
I have a morning routine that seldom changes, even on my days off. Alarm-bathroom-dresser-closet-feed and water dogs-get Tom up.
That's where things get really interesting.
My wonderful, patient, giving, loving and compassionate husband is not a morning person. And by "morning", I mean any time before noon if it's his day off. In order for me to get us to work on time, my morning goes something like this...
"Tom, honey, it's time to get up." I usually say this several times..
At some point, one foot slides from under the covers and raises up. That's my cue to put on his socks, which I do most every morning. (He can't sleep with socks on) If I don't see the foot voluntarily arise from it's cocoon, I gently tap his foot and he responds by lifting it, much like my old horse, Jim, used to!
"Tom, it's 6:15, honey, it's time to get up" (we leave at 6:30). This usually results in a repostioning of the body; a roll, a wiggle, or, if I'm really lucky, I get to see the whites of his eyes...
"C'mon, Thomas!" My voice gets a little more stern at this point. "You are already late!"
"Late" is the magic word. He hates to be late for work, mostly because he doesn't want to stay over and make it up.
Once awake, he gets going pretty well, and can get ready fairly quickly. I believe he does this for one reason and one reason only.
Once in the car, he goes back to sleep. He kicks back, pulls his hat down, and snoozes the entire 45 minute drive from Mitchell to Bloomington.
Dog...
This morning I looked over and caught a glimpse of him in the random headlights, and his peaceful slumber amused me, and inspired me.
In this thing we call life, it is often difficult to rest. We fuss and worry, we hit our invisible brake, grab the dash and, as Tom so laughingly accuses me of when he drives, look ahead for miles just in case the road gets a little dangerous. We often forget God wants to be in the driver's seat! We should be able to lay back, rest and rejuvenate, so that we can be ready to take the wheel when the time is right. We can trust Him to gets us where we need to be, on time, in order to do the job He has assigned to us.
It's all about having faith in the guy behind the wheel.
When I pull into the parking lot, he begans to rouse. He gets out, stretches, groans and smiles at me. As he prepares to slide into the driver's seat he leans over, kisses me and says "Thank you, baby. That's the best sleep I get."
When life gets crazy, and exhausting, and you just can't seem to find any peace, I suggest you just pull over, kick back in the passenger seat and say "Why don't you drive awhile." It'll be the best sleep you get.
Rest easy my friends...God's got this...
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
security
My sister calls me Suzy Homemaker.
Sarcastically.
I suppose if you wanted to eat off my floor you could, but I wouldn't advise it. Between 2 dogs and one husband who has hoarding issues, my house is full of movable items. Move this to sit down, move that to get into the spare room, move something else to get to the refrigerator, most recently a compound mitre saw.
(In his defense, he was putting in a new floor...it just took a while!)
There's lots of stuff here. Music equipment, boxes of toys, shelves of books, shoes on the floor, pillows on the couch, candy in the bowl and a random glass or two abandoned on various surfaces.
But there's no place my kids and grandkids would rather be. This is home, clutter and all. There are very few sacred items, and even the guitars are up for grabs if you really want to give it a try. We also have a resuscitated Jazzy, with zero-turn radius capabilities, that makes a great joy ride on a hardwood floor.
I recently commented to my oldest granddaughter, "I don't know why you want to come here all the time. It's a mess, and you have to sleep on that uncomfortable couch..." She just smiled and shrugged "Any house will do Nan, as long as you're in it." She is the same child that once said to me "I get good sleep here."
I realized that was the perfect expression of love, trust and security.
No worries...
As children of the Almighty God, we should feel that exact same way. When our life gets cluttered, when our environment gets a little uncomfortable, we need only look into the face of our loving Lord and say "If you are with me, it's OK." Just because things aren't perfect, doesn't mean His love isn't. Just because pain comes, doesn't mean healing isn't on the way, and just because we don't see them, doesn't mean He doesn't shed tears for us.
I hope my home is always a haven for my children, my grandchildren and all the others that I have adopted through the years. My couch may be cluttered, but my heart is always open and my refrigerator is always full.
I am my Father's daughter...
Sarcastically.
I suppose if you wanted to eat off my floor you could, but I wouldn't advise it. Between 2 dogs and one husband who has hoarding issues, my house is full of movable items. Move this to sit down, move that to get into the spare room, move something else to get to the refrigerator, most recently a compound mitre saw.
(In his defense, he was putting in a new floor...it just took a while!)
There's lots of stuff here. Music equipment, boxes of toys, shelves of books, shoes on the floor, pillows on the couch, candy in the bowl and a random glass or two abandoned on various surfaces.
But there's no place my kids and grandkids would rather be. This is home, clutter and all. There are very few sacred items, and even the guitars are up for grabs if you really want to give it a try. We also have a resuscitated Jazzy, with zero-turn radius capabilities, that makes a great joy ride on a hardwood floor.
I recently commented to my oldest granddaughter, "I don't know why you want to come here all the time. It's a mess, and you have to sleep on that uncomfortable couch..." She just smiled and shrugged "Any house will do Nan, as long as you're in it." She is the same child that once said to me "I get good sleep here."
I realized that was the perfect expression of love, trust and security.
No worries...
As children of the Almighty God, we should feel that exact same way. When our life gets cluttered, when our environment gets a little uncomfortable, we need only look into the face of our loving Lord and say "If you are with me, it's OK." Just because things aren't perfect, doesn't mean His love isn't. Just because pain comes, doesn't mean healing isn't on the way, and just because we don't see them, doesn't mean He doesn't shed tears for us.
I hope my home is always a haven for my children, my grandchildren and all the others that I have adopted through the years. My couch may be cluttered, but my heart is always open and my refrigerator is always full.
I am my Father's daughter...
Friday, September 16, 2011
Not Me
Matt 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
Don't ever think for a minute that Jesus didn't have a glimmer of hope for plan "B". He new the excruciating pain He would suffer, and the anguish and humiliation to which He would be subjected. I'm sure there was a point He wanted to scream out "It's not my fault! They're the ones to blame!"
But He didn't. He just quietly laid down on the cross with the understanding that His sacrifice was necessary for the salvation of others.
People blame establishments for the behavior of their patrons.
Children blame their parents.
Parents blame their children.
Churches blame the world.
The world blames God.
Guess who the problem really is? Do you have a mirror?
If there was ever a time for personal responsibility, it's now. It's not the bar's fault some underage girl got drunk. It's not the cop's fault the speeder got a ticket. It's not the teacher's fault the student is failing.
It's not the government's fault that you have more than you can financially handle.
Let's stop acting like irresponsible adolescents and realize this life is a one shot deal. No one owes you anything. But you owe other's, and most especially God, a whole lot.
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
Don't ever think for a minute that Jesus didn't have a glimmer of hope for plan "B". He new the excruciating pain He would suffer, and the anguish and humiliation to which He would be subjected. I'm sure there was a point He wanted to scream out "It's not my fault! They're the ones to blame!"
But He didn't. He just quietly laid down on the cross with the understanding that His sacrifice was necessary for the salvation of others.
People blame establishments for the behavior of their patrons.
Children blame their parents.
Parents blame their children.
Churches blame the world.
The world blames God.
Guess who the problem really is? Do you have a mirror?
If there was ever a time for personal responsibility, it's now. It's not the bar's fault some underage girl got drunk. It's not the cop's fault the speeder got a ticket. It's not the teacher's fault the student is failing.
It's not the government's fault that you have more than you can financially handle.
Let's stop acting like irresponsible adolescents and realize this life is a one shot deal. No one owes you anything. But you owe other's, and most especially God, a whole lot.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Stealing Christmas
For many years my friends and family have (I hope) affectionately referred to me as either "Scrooge" or "The Grinch". I only buy for my direct decendants, and then I do so frugally. My friends know that, although I may not buy them a present, I love them. They know they can call me at 3:00 in the morning and I will be on my way.
Beats dish towels, don't you think?
Christmas is, traditionally, a time for gift giving, good will toward men, and just generally doing for others less fortunate. All admirable things to be sure, but...
...there are 11 other months in the year...
Long ago, when I was a fresh-faced, 17 year old Student Council President, I heard a woman declare, "People aren't just hungry in November and December." That statement made a lasting impression on me. We, as a society, tend to rise to the occasion. We offer our hand to the poor and needy, then quickly use that same hand to pat our self on the back for our efforts. We enjoy the brief, poignant high that comes from hearing a child whisper thank you, or a single mom shed grateful tears.
But what are they eating in January and February? Who's buying the summer clothes for the children of that same single mom. Who's making sure she has enough gas to go to work?
Far be it from me to take away anyone's enjoyment of the holiday season. I adore the get togethers, the meals, the verbal sparring between siblings and cousins, and the tender, shared moments of remembrance.
But, months after the tinsel is tossed and the packages are emptied, we must remember that a child may still be hungry, a parent may still be struggling and a need may still exist.
What then?
I think I'll just pretend it's Christmas...
Beats dish towels, don't you think?
Christmas is, traditionally, a time for gift giving, good will toward men, and just generally doing for others less fortunate. All admirable things to be sure, but...
...there are 11 other months in the year...
Long ago, when I was a fresh-faced, 17 year old Student Council President, I heard a woman declare, "People aren't just hungry in November and December." That statement made a lasting impression on me. We, as a society, tend to rise to the occasion. We offer our hand to the poor and needy, then quickly use that same hand to pat our self on the back for our efforts. We enjoy the brief, poignant high that comes from hearing a child whisper thank you, or a single mom shed grateful tears.
But what are they eating in January and February? Who's buying the summer clothes for the children of that same single mom. Who's making sure she has enough gas to go to work?
Far be it from me to take away anyone's enjoyment of the holiday season. I adore the get togethers, the meals, the verbal sparring between siblings and cousins, and the tender, shared moments of remembrance.
But, months after the tinsel is tossed and the packages are emptied, we must remember that a child may still be hungry, a parent may still be struggling and a need may still exist.
What then?
I think I'll just pretend it's Christmas...
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Control Issues
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes...
If 9/11 showed us anything, it's that control is just an illusion. People in powerful positions entered their offices that fateful day, people for whom others fetched and carried, yes sir-ed and no ma'am-ed... people who felt like they were in control of their world.
Then disaster struck.
Stress comes when we lack choices. When things are happening around us that we can't control we experience a sense of anxiety and fear. We frantically, or possibly methodically, attempt to fix those things which have gone awry. Often it's a fruitless endeavor.
In reality, the only thing you can control is your own faith in God. Your body will betray you, your temper will get away from you, your children will misbehave and your subordinates will defy you. God, in His wisdom, gave us all a free will. Not even He, the maker and creator of everything, attempts to maintain total control.
When life spins in it's own direction, we have to find our center within our Comforter, the Holy Spirit. We have to turn to God and be willing to say "I can't do this on my own." We have to be willing to let go of those things which create chaos inside us, and replace it with the peace that passes all understanding. We have to let Him do His job. Otherwise, we will be so busy trying to do His job, we won't be able to do ours.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes...
If 9/11 showed us anything, it's that control is just an illusion. People in powerful positions entered their offices that fateful day, people for whom others fetched and carried, yes sir-ed and no ma'am-ed... people who felt like they were in control of their world.
Then disaster struck.
Stress comes when we lack choices. When things are happening around us that we can't control we experience a sense of anxiety and fear. We frantically, or possibly methodically, attempt to fix those things which have gone awry. Often it's a fruitless endeavor.
In reality, the only thing you can control is your own faith in God. Your body will betray you, your temper will get away from you, your children will misbehave and your subordinates will defy you. God, in His wisdom, gave us all a free will. Not even He, the maker and creator of everything, attempts to maintain total control.
When life spins in it's own direction, we have to find our center within our Comforter, the Holy Spirit. We have to turn to God and be willing to say "I can't do this on my own." We have to be willing to let go of those things which create chaos inside us, and replace it with the peace that passes all understanding. We have to let Him do His job. Otherwise, we will be so busy trying to do His job, we won't be able to do ours.
Friday, September 2, 2011
job description
In the 28 years that I have been in the workforce, I have worked as a nursing assistant, an associate in a hardware store, a cook/waitress/cashier in an auction barn kitchen, a substitute teacher and a nurse. As a nurse, my employment has been extremely varied; Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Occupational, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Education and Training. Regardless of my employment, one thing has always been consistent. I was given a job description, and expected to do the job for which I was hired. I have worked weekends and holidays, days, evenings and nights. I have spent many a Christmas and Thanksgiving with another's family instead of my own. But as Superchicken use to say "You knew the job was dangerous when you took it."
As Christians, we have a job description.
Hebrews 10:25 tells us that we really need to go to church and surround ourselves with people who are like minded and those who can encourage us.
Matthew 7:20 says that people should know us by the "fruit" we bare.
Matthew 7:12 instructs us to treat others like we would want to be treated.
Most people work diligently to impress and please their employers. When they accepted the job, they accepted all the responsibilities that went with it.
As Christians, we need to realize what our responsibility is to God. We have been commanded to seek out the lost, support the church, sacrifice our self in order to further His kingdom, and be kind to those whom others turn away. He directs us to pray for the sick, the lost, and the broken. He expects us to reach out to those who are struggling and direct them down the right path.
He requires of us self-discipline, and self examination. He wants us to plant, tend, and harvest when the time is right.
If any one of us took a position with an employer, then did not do the work the employer expected of us, we wouldn't keep the job for long. Fortunately, our heavenly Father is merciful, and we all have continued chances to make things right. Jobs come and go, employers go out of business, and work conditions change, but God...God is forever unchanging, forever faithful, and forever merciful. Shouldn't He be afforded the same consideration as an earthly boss?
And besides, who else is going to give you such a great retirement plan?!
As Christians, we have a job description.
Hebrews 10:25 tells us that we really need to go to church and surround ourselves with people who are like minded and those who can encourage us.
Matthew 7:20 says that people should know us by the "fruit" we bare.
Matthew 7:12 instructs us to treat others like we would want to be treated.
Most people work diligently to impress and please their employers. When they accepted the job, they accepted all the responsibilities that went with it.
As Christians, we need to realize what our responsibility is to God. We have been commanded to seek out the lost, support the church, sacrifice our self in order to further His kingdom, and be kind to those whom others turn away. He directs us to pray for the sick, the lost, and the broken. He expects us to reach out to those who are struggling and direct them down the right path.
He requires of us self-discipline, and self examination. He wants us to plant, tend, and harvest when the time is right.
If any one of us took a position with an employer, then did not do the work the employer expected of us, we wouldn't keep the job for long. Fortunately, our heavenly Father is merciful, and we all have continued chances to make things right. Jobs come and go, employers go out of business, and work conditions change, but God...God is forever unchanging, forever faithful, and forever merciful. Shouldn't He be afforded the same consideration as an earthly boss?
And besides, who else is going to give you such a great retirement plan?!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Heart vs Head
In the last 48 hours I have heard the same quotation from several different sources. Social media, radio and TV. The quotation?
The heart wants what the heart wants...
Although that may be true, it doesn't make the heart correct.
When my daughters were younger they frequently requested to do things, or have things, that I was not comfortable with.
But, kids want what they want.
It was up to me to say yes or no, and guard them from things that would harm them. They did not make logical decisions at 5, 10 or even 15. That was my job as the mother. The one in charge..
Putting your heart in charge of your life is like putting a teenager in charge of himself. Feelings, not logic will be what dictates his actions. In most cases fleshly desire will be his driving force and Christian values will take a back seat.
Proverbs 4:23 says that we are to guard our hearts, because that's where life's issues flow from.
Proverbs 23:19 tells us to keep our hearts on the right path.
So if the bible tells us to guard our hearts, and keep it on the right path, then that must mean our heart should not dictate our lives.
Every decision we make should be contemplated using the word of God.
Prov. 2:2 says "So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding"
If we see that our heart wants something that God does not want us to have, then it is up to our spirit and our mind to tell our heart "No". We have to make it understand...
Feelings, what so many base their life on, are nothing more than smoke and mirrors, reflecting an often inaccurate image. You feel stupid, you feel ugly, you feel like you can't live without a certain individual. You feel lost, you feel broken, you believe what someone, a long time ago, convinced you was the truth. But it doesn't make it so.
God made you, God knows you. He knows what you want, but He also knows what you need. In order to give you all He wants you to have, you have to clean house and get rid of all the old baggage. You have to let go of the old, in order for God to give you something new.
God would never expect more from you than what you can accomplish. So the next time your heart cries out for something, stop and contemplate with your head whether it's a good thing. Guard your heart, because once broken, it's hard to repair.
The heart wants what the heart wants...
Although that may be true, it doesn't make the heart correct.
When my daughters were younger they frequently requested to do things, or have things, that I was not comfortable with.
But, kids want what they want.
It was up to me to say yes or no, and guard them from things that would harm them. They did not make logical decisions at 5, 10 or even 15. That was my job as the mother. The one in charge..
Putting your heart in charge of your life is like putting a teenager in charge of himself. Feelings, not logic will be what dictates his actions. In most cases fleshly desire will be his driving force and Christian values will take a back seat.
Proverbs 4:23 says that we are to guard our hearts, because that's where life's issues flow from.
Proverbs 23:19 tells us to keep our hearts on the right path.
So if the bible tells us to guard our hearts, and keep it on the right path, then that must mean our heart should not dictate our lives.
Every decision we make should be contemplated using the word of God.
Prov. 2:2 says "So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding"
If we see that our heart wants something that God does not want us to have, then it is up to our spirit and our mind to tell our heart "No". We have to make it understand...
Feelings, what so many base their life on, are nothing more than smoke and mirrors, reflecting an often inaccurate image. You feel stupid, you feel ugly, you feel like you can't live without a certain individual. You feel lost, you feel broken, you believe what someone, a long time ago, convinced you was the truth. But it doesn't make it so.
God made you, God knows you. He knows what you want, but He also knows what you need. In order to give you all He wants you to have, you have to clean house and get rid of all the old baggage. You have to let go of the old, in order for God to give you something new.
God would never expect more from you than what you can accomplish. So the next time your heart cries out for something, stop and contemplate with your head whether it's a good thing. Guard your heart, because once broken, it's hard to repair.
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