Yesterday, Easter, there were so many family photos posted on Facebook. I enjoyed them so much. Most are friends and family that I knew as teenagers and now are parents. I wish I could have a do over.. but maybe I can pass on a little wisdom from my chair.
As I sat in my chair having my Bible, prayer time I realized that this was going to be one of only a few days I have left in my little house in the forest. From my chair I can see the Ponderosa pines swaying in the breeze that sounds like the ocean waves. I see Flagstaff Mountain in the distance still topped with snow. I see the worn path of my little deers that I have watched since they had spots. These past three years have been the best years of my life. Bert and I have had more quality time, more laughter, joy and peace. But what I have gained most is time spent with God and His word.
Oh, I wish I had sought God more in my 20's, 30's and 40's. Yes I was busy raising children and all there activities that I put time with God in last place, if at all. I wouldn't have remembered if the dishes or cleaning got done for that day, but I would have grown in my walk with God. I would have been reminded that little eyes are learning by example.
My walk of faith during those years would have been so different, so easier if I had only made time in the morning before the day began to open God's word and say, "Lord what do you have for me today?". If I had just made time to get on my knees before God and said, "Lord, thank you that nothing is going to happen today that you don't already know about and have the answer for".
At the end of this week Bert and I are beginning a new chapter in our lives. Our decision to move to Prescott Valley was based on wanting to be closer to family and some health issues. But the main reason was that Bert and I felt God has more for us ordinary old people to do in His ministry together. It's going to be exciting to see what God has for us next.
I'm keeping you in my prayers as I see your life changes on Facebook.
Love you all........
PUZZLE PIECES
My friend and I were staring down at the puzzle pieces on the table. The border and edges were finished but there were so many pieces left. All the pieces looked the same, they were all white. I sat there in dismay and frustration trying to figure out which piece to pick up. I tried over and over again to piece them together but was getting nowhere. Then my friend picked up a piece and carefully placed it in just the right place. It was a perfect fit. Over and over again my friend amazed me by placing piece after piece in the correct place. I tried over and over again to help but could not do it. Watching me struggle my friend sat back in the chair and watched as I tried to do this puzzle myself. Surely I could figure this out. Finally I cried out, "Why are you not helping me, I just give up". With those words said, my friend began to pick up the pieces and place them right in there place. In awe I watched as piece after piece fell into place.
My friend is Jesus. The puzzle was white because my sins are washed away, clean and pure. I tried to run my life myself, to fix the problems, and solve life's issues. Jesus just waited patiently for me to stop struggling to do it myself. When I gave up and begged and cried for help Jesus showed up. His timing is perfect and His pieces fit perfect in my life.
How about you? Let God be take the lead in the struggles of your life. He does a much better job than you or I can do.
I wrestle with contentment hourly. Maybe you do too. We live in a world of comparison and measuring up. Magazines, TV, internet and even friends are blasting our minds with images of things we can't live without or ways we need to be. Faster phones, fashionable clothes, a skinnier body, bigger TV's, new cars, and wrinkle free faces.
What's the motive behind all of it?They want us to spend our money to guarantee contentment. They are saying be discontent with what you have, you need more, and your not measuring up.The fruits of all this is feeling insecure, feeling self conscious and self doubting.
It's no secret, I love purses. I like colors. I like compartments, dividers and hidden pockets. Seeing as ad for a purse with all the things I like and I am immediately thinking when shall I make time to go and get this new purse. Tomorrow, that sounds good. There is an urgency to pursue this new purse in the store. There it is on the shelf with a price tag of $199.00. Disappointment sets in and a reality check says, "I could bless a lot of people for that."
Now just for the record, the most I have spent on a purse is $35.00. I can't tell you which one it is, what it looks like, or how many compartments it has. Probably tells me I did not need it after all.
We moved to Prescott a year ago and I found it quite freeing. It doesn't matter what your hair or clothes look like, anything goes. It doesn't matter if your car has dents. It doesn't matter what kind of pet you have. I could have a pig, turkey or chicken. They still wave or say hello.
Bottom line is measuring up to others or the world, is a prison meant to keep us discontent. The only thing in life we should be discontent with is our spiritual life. Discontent with the time we spend in God's word. Discontent with the lack of urgency to get on our knees before God and intercede for others. Discontent when we miss an opportunity to bless someone or share the message of Jesus. Discontent when we are not hearing God.
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we celebrate Thanksgiving make us mindful of our worth in your eyes. Thank you that we don't have to measure up to be loved by you. Help us to be content with all you have blessed us with and show us ways to be a blessing to others.
Sorry this is so long. God placed this on my heart this morning for me to look for areas in my own life that need attention. HAPPY THANKSGIVING FRIENDS AND FAMILY !!!!!
