Category Archives: Today: Make it Count

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July 20, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Knowing Him, Prayer, Today: Make it Count

NOT JUST FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Can anyone tell the Lord what to do? Who can teach him or give him advice? With whom does God consult in order to know and understand and to learn how things should be done? [Isaiah 40:13-14 (GNT)]

turk's cap lily

Thinking of my friend who wanted to refrain from calling on her friends until she “really needed” them made me think how we tend to set aside nice things for the really important events or special occasions of life. Reserved for some special occasion, we have living rooms that aren’t lived in and dining rooms that aren’t dined in. We women have bath salts, scented soaps and lotions, perfumes and fragrant candles given to us and then we stash them away for a special time of pampering (that never happens). We save the sterling flatware for the elegant dinners that never seem to occur. Yet, unless it is used, sterling silver won’t develop its characteristic patina that only grows more beautiful with time and use. Friends, sterling silver, dining rooms, living rooms, and spa goodies—they’re all meant to be used and appreciated. If we’ve been blessed with supportive friends or beautiful things, we should avail ourselves of them. After all, every day with which we’re blessed is a special occasion.

Saving people and things for that special event or when we’re in desperate straits got me thinking about the way we pray. Do we keep our little concerns to ourselves and reserve our prayers for the big problems, the special occasions, the times we’re at the end of the rope and “really need” Him? Is ours a fallback or special occasion God we approach only when all else fails? Do we keep Him in reserve and only use him when in crisis mode? Nothing is too small or trivial to God. If it’s important to us; it’s important to Him; if it’s troubling us, it’s troubling Him; and, if we’re thankful for it (no matter how small it may be), He wants to hear our thanks and praise. While I can decide whether to use the crystal goblets or Lenox china for my guests, I don’t think I’m the one who is supposed to decide what is God’s business and what is mine—especially since it all is His! Let’s not save God for special occasions like we do the silver or Waterford crystal; let Him be like our stainless flatware and plastic glasses—our “everyday” God!

What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
 What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!
[“What a Friend We Have in Jesus (Joseph Scriven)]

The Lord said, “I was ready to answer my people’s prayers, but they did not pray. I was ready for them to find me, but they did not even try. The nation did not pray to me, even though I was always ready to answer, ‘Here I am; I will help you.’ [Isaiah 65:1 (GNT)]

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July 12, 2016

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Bible Stories, Challenges & Difficulty, Family, Friends & Fellowship, God's Grace & Love, Peace of God, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets, Today: Make it Count

GRAFFITI

David replied, “I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, ‘Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” [2 Samuel 12:22-23 (TLB)]

 Shari A. will love, love and love Michael, Andy and Steven A. Now, always and forever!! I love you all sooooo much!!! Love always, XO Mom XO
P.S. Always keep love, faith and hope alive in your hearts now and forever … and remember … kindness and forgiveness matter! (2015)

graffiti

Even in state parks, people still want to leave their mark or carve their initials and those of their sweetheart. The message above, however, is a bit of graffiti that causes me pause every time I see it. Written in black marker, it is under a railing, on an upright board, at a remote wildlife viewing platform. I recognize the script because I’ve seen it elsewhere in the park. In the woods, on another trail, is a dead tree marked with a large heart and the words “You are loved!” In a different place, the same woman asks her children to remember a picture they took from that spot.

Perhaps this woman was playing a game with her children and her messages were part of a scavenger hunt. In that case, I can only be annoyed at the way she defaced park property. Her words, however, seem rather melancholy to me so I don’t think they were part of a playful game. Every time I walk out to that viewing platform, I wonder about her heartfelt note. Who is (or was) that woman? Why did she feel the need to write her messages in such out-of-the-way spots? Are there more messages hidden elsewhere in the park? Have her sons ever seen them? Why didn’t she say those words in person? Does she still walk in the park? And, the most disturbing question of all, was that her farewell?

It’s troubling that those words of love to her boys remain on pieces of wood hidden in a park. Parental advice and expressions of love are meant to be said, not written and left in obscure places. I only saw this one when I knelt down to tie my shoe.  Although she tells her children to have faith and hope, I wonder if she has lost them. There seems to be a sense of regret in her messages—regret for things done or left undone, for words spoken or remaining unsaid. Unfortunately, it’s easy to become a prisoner of the past. Nevertheless, the past can’t be changed but the future can! David had plenty to regret when his first child by Bathsheba died; the baby died because of David’s sins. Rather than wallowing in the past, however, after mourning his loss, David chose to embrace his future and move forward with his and Bathsheba’s lives.

When Jesus met the woman at the well, he immediately knew of her troubled history and, when the bleeding woman touched his robe, he knew of her illness. If only it was as easy for us to know what anguish hides in people’s hearts. Have I ever passed by this woman at the park? If so, did I offer a friendly smile and warm “hello” or did I just speed by her? I remember earlier this year when I walked in the bird sanctuary with a troubled woman who needed to talk and then think of the stranger who strolled alongside my husband one day and spilled out the poignant story of his wife’s betrayal. Did they have no one else to hear their stories? Every time I see that woman’s words, I wonder if she had someone with whom to talk. Of course, we know that she had God, but did she know it? When she wrote the words “You are loved!” did she know that God loves her?

Heavenly Father, there are so many troubled souls we pass by daily. Guide us so that we don’t inadvertently add to their sorrow and troubles. Give them hope for the future and help them know they are not alone. Let them experience your love and forgiveness.

And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans. [Romans 8:28 (TL)]

Listen to my pleading, Lord! Be merciful and send the help I need. My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me, O my people.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” [Psalm 27:7-8 (TLB)]

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July 7, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Knowing Him, Love & Works, Obedience, Prayer, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith, Spiritual Gifts, Today: Make it Count

A LIVING SACRIFICE

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. [Romans 12:1 (NLT)]

cathedral of st francis - Santa Fe8554awebDoes God truly have our bodies? Are we His twenty-four/seven or just for a few hours on Sunday? Do we worship with our entire selves or with just our lips? In the Old Testament, the sacrifices were dead animals; in the New Testament, the sacrifices are living Christians. Jesus died for us; we are to sacrifice ourselves and live for Him. Do our lives constitute a holy sacrifice?

Heavenly Father, I give you my eyes—show me how to use them to see what you want to have done. I give you my hands—show me how to use them to serve you. I give you my voice—show me how to use it to teach, encourage and console. I give you my arms—show me how to use them to offer both welcome and comfort. I give you my feet—show me how to use them to spread your holy word. Fill my mind with your wisdom, my heart with your love, and my soul with your Holy Spirit. I am yours, Lord, give me a task.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
[Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi]

Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. [Romans 6:13b (NLT)]

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June 8, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Grace & Love, Joy, Peace of God, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets, Thanks & Praise, Today: Make it Count

IN THE RAIN

mute swans
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? [Luke 12:25-26 (NIV)]

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. [Psalm 26:2-3 (NIV)]

In spite of the ominous looking sky, I thought the rain would wait more than an hour before arriving, so I confidently set off through the woods. By the time I was halfway through my walk, however, the clouds were delivering their rain. While meteorology isn’t my strong suit, optimism probably is. As I slowly got soaked, I thought of the quote that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass but rather about learning to dance in the rain. We can choose to be wet and miserable or wet and happy—either way we’ll still be soaked! Although I didn’t dance, I didn’t let the rain dampen my spirits. Knowing I couldn’t get any wetter (and ever hopeful of a Kodak moment), I stopped along the trail and went out to a viewing platform. I was rewarded with my first sighting of the swans this season (who were doing their own version of dancing in the rain).

There are those of us for whom the glass is half full and others for whom is it half empty. For the Buddhist, however, that glass is already broken. The story is told that Achaan Chaa, a Thai Buddhist master, once held up a glass of water for his guests. After telling them how much he admired the way it held water, glistened in the sunlight, and rang when tapped, he added that, for him, the glass was already broken. The sage explained that one day the wind would blow it off the shelf or he’d accidentally knock it from the table and the glass would shatter. Thinking of the glass as already broken, he could delight in it while he had it and wouldn’t mourn its loss when it did break. Chaa wasn’t a pessimist; after all, glasses break! Rather, because he knew every moment with his fragile glass was precious, he was a mindful realist. Of course, his lesson was about far more than a simple glass of water. I suspect that the Buddhist master, fully aware of life’s fragility and truly appreciative of all it has to offer, knew how to dance in the rain.

Christian mindfulness is more than being conscious of what we are feeling, doing, or thinking. It is paying attention to God, focusing on His kingdom, hearing His voice, growing in love, noticing and treasuring His gifts, and thanking Him for them. Christian mindfulness sees God’s hand in all things and doesn’t worry about tomorrow. It lives in the present and trusts God for the future. The Christian, knowing how the story ends, has joy and peace in all circumstances.

Heavenly Father, we know we live in a broken world—a world with disease, disaster, destruction and death. In spite of this brokenness, guide us to be mindful so that we delight in every person, place, thing, circumstance and breath with which we’ve been blessed. Give us the ability to hear your music and dance in the rain!

Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more. [Mother Teresa]

Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.  [Psalm 149:3 (NIV)]

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May 24, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, God's Plan, Joy, Knowing Him, Obedience, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets, Today: Make it Count

WHO’S ON FIRST?

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [Matthew 6:33 (NLT)]

Who comes first in our lives? Without a doubt, when I was a child, it was me. As far as I was concerned, the world pretty much revolved Playa del Carmenaround me, myself and I: my toys, my games, my friends, my wants, my school, my plans. As I matured, I became a little less self-involved but I have to admit that my priorities still revolved around me: my education, my husband, my children, my family, my projects, my future! All of these are important, but no matter how much I love my husband, children and grandchildren, and no matter how worthwhile my projects or causes, none of these should be my first priority. That should always be God.

I wish I could say that God has always been first and foremost in my life. I wish I could say that the Holy Spirit has guided me in all of my decisions and that I held Jesus’ hand whenever I was troubled or afraid. I wish I could say I was obedient to His word and that His love always led my way. Unfortunately, I can’t. I know that if I had done those things, my life would have been happier; it certainly would have been more peaceful. As wonderful and fulfilling as my days have been, if God had come first, there certainly would have been fewer problems and more joy, fewer tears and more smiles. Nevertheless, I have no intention of wasting time in regrets or shedding tears over what I should have done or what might have been. Instead, I plan on regularly and prayerfully evaluating my priorities from this day forward.

I came across an acronym that not only reminds me of how to set my priorities but also tells me the reward of setting them correctly: JOY. Jesus comes first, Others are second, and You come last! If we follow that order, we’ll have joy in our lives!

Who’s on first in your life?

The measure of life is revealed in the quality of our relationships: with God, our families, our fellow men. [From “A Perfect Day” by Richard Paul Evans]

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. [John 3:30 (NLT)]

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May 23, 2016

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God's Promises, Knowing Him, Prayer, Thanks & Praise, Today: Make it Count

YOU’RE WELCOME!

Truly, anyone welcoming my messenger is welcoming me. And to welcome me is to welcome the Father who sent me. [John 13:20 (TLB)]

IMG_6094webbWhen our children were growing up, like most parents, we had certain “magic” words in our house. We tried to teach our little ones the basic rules of politeness. When you do something wrong—say, “I’m sorry.” If you want something—say, “Please.” When you’re given something—say, “Thank you.” If you do something for someone else—say, “You’re welcome.”

I read a delightful story about a little boy who apparently had been learning the “magic” words at his house. When saying his first prayers, he knew there was something he had to say to God but got a bit confused. “Dear God,” he started and then continued with, “You’re welcome!” I wonder, though, did he really use the wrong phrase? Before thanking God for His bountiful gifts, perhaps we should be sure to welcome Him into our lives. Many of us have a welcome mat at our front doors; do we have a welcome mat at the entrance to our hearts? God’s not a door-to-door salesman or delivery man to be kept standing outside on the porch; He’s an honored guest. Before we get into the nitty gritty of our prayers, before we thank Him for gifts received or ask for future blessings, perhaps we should first welcome Him and ask Him inside.

One of our pastors always starts her morning prayer with, “Good morning, Lord, it’s so nice to see your face!” Much like saying, “You’re welcome!” she greets God with her words, acknowledges His presence, and opens wide the doors to our hearts. May He come into our lives, not just during prayers, but at all times and in all places. He is, indeed, welcome!

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! The city that murders the prophets. The city that stones those sent to help her. How often I have wanted to gather your children together even as a hen protects her brood under her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now—now your house is left desolate. And you will never again see me until you say, “Welcome to him who comes in the name of the Lord.” [Luke 13:34-35 (TLB)]

Copyright © 2016 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.