Both Feet

Each and every day we are faced with decisions and opportunities; some big, some small. Nevertheless, there is a choice to be made in one way or another. It is always best to assess, process and consider a matter before making a choice. As I am faced with any decision I pray that the LORD would give me insight to what is best; that He would share His knowledge and wisdom with me. The best place to find wisdom is in pausing before His glorious throne for guidance and direction before venturing onward. As the LORD does reveal His wisdom to me and points me in the right direction I then pray for the faith to act upon it; faith like that of a little child. A Faith that grabs hold of Jesus’ hand, runs to the water’s edge, and jumps in whole-heartedly with both feet and without fear.

Luke 18:16-17, ¹⁶ But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁷ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

My Own Tiny Pop

Yay!!! As I walked up my front path this morning I looked down and noticed a Tiny Pop right in my own yard!! A symbol of the beautiful possibilities we have as we leave room for God in our lives.

If you don't know what I'm referencing have a look at my previous post called Tiny Pops. :)

Outward

As I watched the online streaming of the funeral of a prominent man in history I was touched by the stories of how many lives he had impacted for good. He was the President of my son’s University for decades. He had been an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He had helped get food and supplies to war torn countries. He had advised United States Presidents, met with Popes and led a University with the standards of God. Throughout his funeral many people spoke of how his kindness, grace and action had impacted their personal lives.

At the end of each day I’d like to be able to crawl into bed with the peaceful knowledge that in some small way I made the world a better place for someone. I want to know that I have made a difference somehow. Having a positive impact doesn’t have to be some grand gesture. I may not be able to travel around the world and stamp out all hunger and poverty and violence, but that doesn’t mean I am powerless to make a difference in the lives of others. I can begin with something as simple as a smile to brighten someone’s day. I can say an acknowledgement of “hello” to let someone know that matter enough to be noticed. I can offer a helping hand to someone in need of assistance. I can listen with a sympathetic ear or speak a reassuring word of wisdom and comfort. There are heavy hearts all around us in our everyday sphere of interaction just waiting for someone to care and reach out. God help me not to be so inwardly focused that I am no outwardly good to the world around me.  There is joy in living outwardly.

Philippians 2:4,  ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Tiny Pops

As I was walking around the block this morning I noticed one yard that had lots of tiny purple flowers popping out from between the green blades of grass. As I walked along the path at the neighborhood park I was greeted by tiny pops of bright yellow as the dandelions sprouted out here and there amongst the grass. I also noticed the little pops of white clover flowers popping out to make their appearance. The tiny pops of color brought a smile to my face. Most people view these as intrusive invaders and work had to keep them out of their otherwise perfect yard. We have an image of how our perfectly, manicured lawn should look.

 It’s kind of how life is- at least mine is. I get an image, I have a plan of how things should go. And I get overwhelmed when the unexpected pops up; when there is a so-called invader into my smooth plans. I thank God for the reminder that when I try to control things too tightly and keep everything perfectly manicured there leaves little to no room for Him to put tiny unexpected, beautiful pops of color into my life or even my day. I pray that I leave room for the tiny pops of purple, yellow and white flowers from God to grow in my life.

Psalm 40:5, Many, Lord my God,
    are the wonders you have done,
    the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
    they would be too many to declare.

Half-Full

  Half-Full

Prayers of thanksgiving give glory to God. Thanksgiving acknowledges that all of our blessings are a gift from God. "Every good and perfect gift is from above". Thanksgiving also changes our outlook on things. When I give thanks my "glass half-empty" view quickly changes to the "glass half-full" view. Sometimes it may seem that there isn't anything to be thankful for. But there are so many things to be thankful for.

 I have found that the perfect place to begin is by thanking God for our salvation. We can thank Him for the air in our lungs. Thank Him for the beauty of creation... for the clouds in the sky, for the mountains, the ocean, the trees, etc. Thank Him for our health... if we are not so healthy at the moment… thank Him for doctors to care for us. Thank Him for our family. Thank Him for friends.

Thank Him for the freedom in our nation to study His Word without fear.

Thank Him for the hope He offers and that He is with us always.

Thank Him that He can help restore all of our relationships. Thank Him for the promise of eternity with Him.

As we thank our Father in heaven we are reminded of His goodness to us. Our eyes are focused upon Him. Giving thanks lifts our spirits; When we give thanks our heavy hearts are lightened. We are filled with hope, courage, peace and joy.

Begin now by thanking God for everything that pops into your mind.

Begin with the basics of your life and your foundation of salvation. When negative things come into your mind take them captive and turn them positive by remembering God’ promises, found in His Holy Bible. Look at them from another angle, God’s angle.

Psalm 100:4 , “ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

It Applies

I love walking outside. It is my favorite form of exercise. I find that it not only keeps my body healthy, it also has amazing benefits for my mind and spirit. As I head outside and close the front door I leave all household responsibilities behind me for a while. My mind gets a chance to clear out all the clutter of unnecessary things that can start to bog it down and clog it up. It is a wonderful time to reassess the priorities of which things and tasks are really of any importance. Most often my thoughts turn to God when I’m out enjoying His creation, which leads me to the spiritual benefits.  God is the best walking partner. He’s a great listener; He gives great wisdom and advice; He always walks at the perfect pace.

All around my neighborhood are beautiful, majestic mountains. Sometimes I gaze at them with great joy, and once in a while it is with a heavy heart.  Often as I walk surrounded by these mountains a certain song comes to mind which is based on Psalm 121, “I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth”. One particular day as I sang this song on my walk with God, I found that I could substitute all my blessings and life situations in place of the word “help”.  “Where does my health come from?” “Where does my family come from?” “Where does my salvation come from?” “Where do my friends come from?” “Where does my home come from?”  Where do my provisions come from?” “Where do my joy, hope and peace come from?”  “Where do even my trials come from?” And so on….. Everything I have comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. It applies to everything! There is no better way to come home refreshed from a walk than with this song in your heart and on your lips. There is joy in knowing that everything comes from the Lord.

Cupcakes and Toothbrushes

I was thinking back to this past Christmas and one of my favorite parts was spending time with my sons on Christmas Eve morning. We had family coming over that evening for dinner, gifts and all the usual festivities. We had ordered tamales for our meal so there wasn’t much prep needed, which freed us up that morning. In the days leading up to Christmas I had decided to make some chocolate peppermint cupcakes complete with sprinkles to give as gifts. We usually give gifts to people we know- family, friends, neighbors, co-workers. This year I had the idea to hand them out to the homeless people we see at various locations around town. I figured they probably don’t get many gifts, if any at all. I thought they might like a little care package as well. So along with the cupcakes each person would receive a bag with some toiletries inside, all tied up with a Christmas bow. I was so happy that my sons were up for the adventure and wanted to join me. We drove around town on a Christmas Eve mission determined to give out these treats and share the love of Jesus. Each person we met was so grateful. As we were approaching one man he greeted us with a joyful “Merry Christmas”.  He was very kind and immediately ate his cupcake with gusto. Another man that we met couldn’t believe that we were doing this together as a family. We had a short visit with most of the people we met. The one man we didn’t get to visit with was asleep under a tree by the side of the road. In this instance we decided to let him sleep. I pulled our car up to the curb and my older son quietly got out and set the goodies under the tree next to him, so as to not disturb him. That didn’t exactly go according to plan. The man peeked one eye open and suddenly jumped up. I don’t know who was more startled, him or my son. Watching from my car I was a bit concerned, hoping the man didn’t have PTSD.  Very fortunately he didn’t. My son smiled, motioned to the cupcake and bag he had left and then hurried back to the car. As we drove away the man was sitting under the tree enjoying his cupcake. This encounter makes me laugh just thinking of it. I think this might become a tradition.

Psalm 82:3, Defend the weak and the fatherless;

    uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.