Abundant Blessings

2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us, "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 

God wants us to increase our good works at all times so that our blessings will abound enabling us to do more good works.  What a wonderful catch 22 we see here in this verse.  We as Christ followers can only give what we have received.  God enables us to do a good work and that good work brings the blessing of God enabling us to do more.  We are always able to give, no matter what our situation.  Our ability to give, highlights God generosity.  

My husband and I like to play this game of out giving God.  Now we know that we will never be able to be more compassionate and generous than God is, but by adding a little competition to the mix we have so much fun trying to bless other people.  This all started a few years ago and I remember one of our first giving games.  We were at the mall one evening, eating in the food court.  We were people watching and particularly enjoyed watching this young man with a large group of teenagers.  You could tell that the young man enjoyed being with them and that the young people respected this young man.  I don't know if we ever knew what kind of group they were  and it really doesn't matter.  My husband felt God whisper to him, "Go give that guy $100.00".  Of course, my husband was hesitant to do this for a couple of reasons, one being that he is pretty shy and second, who goes up to a stranger and hands them a hundred bucks?  

Well, all through our meal, Hubby had this impression to go and give.  So as we finished up the young man was gathering his troops.  We knew it was now or never.  Hubby walked over to the gentleman and gave him a hundred dollars. The feeling that we got from doing that was worth way more than a hundred dollar bill.  

Many will ask, so what if the beneficiary misuses the money given to them.  We struggled with this as well, but finally came to the decision that the money really isn't ours to begin with and is given with no strings attached.  It belongs to God and how the money is spent is between God and the beneficiary.

Perhaps your budget is tight and giving seems impossible to you.  May I suggest that you begin with tithing.  I have found that when I am tithing I am never short of money for things that I need.  Now, I'm not saying that if you tithe, you'll get rich.  I don't think it works like that, but I do believe that God will shift your attitude and he will help you see wealth through his eyes, which is totally different from the world.  

Don't forget that giving doesn't have to be money.  You can give of your time or talents.  Can you play the piano?  How about blessing the single parent family down the street with lessons for their child?  Can you visit?  How about heading to the lonely lady that always sits by herself at church or the local nursing home?  Make a meal for a family that is going through a tough time.  Ask God how you can give to bring him glory and honor.  

Try the giving game with your family or friends.  I dare you.  

Early Morning Revelations

Prayer has been on my mind a lot lately.  I'm not sure why, maybe it's because I'm not as strong in this area as I used to be. Maybe it's the increased focus on it in the media. I used to think that I was a might prayer warrior - but I'm not sure any more.  My foundations have been shaken with our move to Newberry, which while an answered prayer in itself has been difficult at times.  God has answered many of my prayers, some in more creative ways than I could have imagined.  Some answers took much longer than I would have expected and some, it seems, haven't been answered.  All of this has taken me on a fantastic adventure though.

For 20 plus years, I prayed that my husband would become a man of God - no, not just a man of God, but a mighty man of God.  And that dream has come true.  My husband has a thirst for God that is unrivaled.  His heart breaks for those who are lost.  He has developed a deep understanding for the things of God.  His thoughts challenge me to dig deeper into God's word to solidify what it is that I actually believe. But during those years of prayer, God was changing me, too.  He was showing me a different version of himself.  He was showing me the love and patience that he has for his children.  So during this time of prayer for my husband, God was also changing me.

Moving to Newberry was another prayer that God answered for us.  What a joy it was to move here, but being here has been a challenge as well.  It is hard to make friends and to find a spot in a community where you're seen as an outsider.  Finding a church home has proven difficult and the lack of deep friendships make winters seem extra long.  But God is changing me, he is teaching me to cling to him more tightly and to rely on him for all that I need instead of other flawed beings.  By relying on Christ for championship and fellowship, I am able to accept the fragility of others and to realize that I may be let down and that's ok.

There are some prayers - and these are the ones that are challenging me right now - that don't seem to make it past my ceiling.  I pray for revival in Newberry, but God doesn't seem to be too interested.  I know he is and I'm sure he's putting things in place, but waiting for God's timing is difficult.  I'm impatient and I want to be in control.  So even in not yet answered prayers, God is molding and shaping me.  I need to be patient and here's the big one, trust that God knows best. Will I ever learn this truly?  Is this a lesson that can be achieved 100%?

Another seemingly unanswered prayer is for my friend who has stage 4 cancer.  She is the sweetest, godliest woman you could ever imagine.  This is all so unfair.  Why should my friend who loves Jesus above all and who has a family that needs her have to deal with this? Lots of giant in the faith have prayed for her healing - why haven't we seen it?  I don't have answers and to be honest, I'm frustrated. I guess maybe I'm more afraid than frustrated.  What if God's will for my friend isn't the same plan that I have?  Again, that trust thing...

I was reading in Mark (chapter 11 verse 24) the other day.  Jesus was telling his disciples that if they had faith they could tell a mountain to move and it would. If we ask, it is done.  Now this sounds  just a little too much like Santa Claus to me, so I began to investigate. I found out that of course, our requests need to line up with who God is and what he wills, but that we also need faith.  So I scrunch up my face and repeat, "I believe..." over and over again.  But what if faith is that we will trust God to answer our prayers in the way HE sees fit.  What if we bring God our requests and share our hearts, but then let HIM work in the way that is best for everyone concerned.  I'm beginning to wonder if this is what faith truly is. 

It's truly a journey when we accept our gift of salvation from Father.  It isn't always easy, but I am learning to trust in the God who loves me and to rest in his plan.

The Power of YET...

Yet you are holy,
    enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb
    and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast.
Psalms 22:3,9

David is sharing his troubles and confusion with God. David has been anointed as Israels next king and is running for his life from a very angry and wicked king. He is hiding in caves and constantly on the run.  And even in the midst of all the bad stuff, David chooses to see God as he really is.  So even though he's hiding in a cave and running for his life YET he knows that God has him. God will fulfill his promises in David's life.  Nothing is too difficult for God and David chooses to trust him for the best outcome.  
Educational circles have begun to talk about growth mindset, and how we need to teach and train our students to persevere.  Students need to be taught the power of YET.  
As I read the verses from Psalms and reflect on David's situation, I am seeing that our Christian walk is just like the classroom.  We need to learn perseverance, how to hold on and stay the course. We need to develop our steadfastness.  
In a classroom where a growth mindset is nurtured, students are taught to monitor their thoughts.  Words like, "I'll never..." are weaned out of the vocabulary and replaced with words like, "...yet!" This encourages the child to keep trying.  Just as we are encouraged to keep trying. Not many are  successful the first time they try something. So how do we develop this perseverance that we need?  We are told to take every thought captive to Christ.  Are we doing that?  Are we honestly looking at what the enemy is telling us?  All the "you can'ts" and "you shoulds"?  Are these really from God? I grew up with a very legalistic view of God.  I have a lot to stuff to filter through.  I have come to know that if something holds us back from serving God, it's probably not from God. 
Let me get personal here.  I have felt called to be an author for may years, but I haven't done anything with it.  I haven't taken those thoughts captive - I've let the lies of satan roam around and take up residence in my heart and mind.  I began to believe what he was telling me.  I've let those lies stop me from fulfilling my mission.  
So how do we change this?  How do we take our thoughts captive? I believe we use the power of YET. 
David does this in several of his Psalms.  He talks for a while about how rough and terrible and unfair life is, and then uses a little word to turn things around.  He says, YET, will I trust in the Lord.  He chooses to believe that God has his back.  He chooses to believe that although David doesn't understand this situation, God does. God will bring everything together to glorify himself.  
So when satan tries to spin one of his lies, when he tells me I'm not good enough, or I don't have anything to say that other want to hear, I'm going to hold it up the God's truth.  I'm going to examine it closely, and then add YET.  Will you join me? 

Invisible Woman

I've been feeling like the invisible woman.  Yep, no one see me or remembers my contributions.  When I help with things, my name is always left off the thank yous.  This used to bother me, I wanted to be recognized and thanked.  I wanted the attention. I wanted people to see my value.  I didn't want to be invisible.  But, I've just very recently begun to see the benefits of invisibility.
Invisibility allows me to are able to work in behind the scenes ways to deliver the love of God. It allows me to be be stealthy. It means that I can totally focus on others without worrying about how I look.
God allows his invisible woman to constantly be there and to support others in ways they might not even know.
My friend has cancer - again.  My job is to help her ignore it and feel normal.  My job is to take her to lunch and pick up the check.  My job is to slip her some cash for gas or a new cute hat.  She doesn't know that I'm ministering to her because I do these things all the time - not just because she has cancer.
I'm just being me. Nothing out of the ordinary.  Just loving others as I can.  Invisible.
But, my Father sees me.  He knows what I am up to, and that is all that matters.   

Shoulders

I have been reading recently about God's instructions for the Tabernacle in the book of Exodus.  I have read this account many times, but God has been showing me some deeper meanings lately.  I have been a very shallow Christian up until God woke me up a few years ago.  So I have been asking God to help me to look into his word deeper, to find more spiritual meat, so to speak.  God does answer prayer!  So back to the Tabernacle, I just wanted to share a few "noticings" that I have had.

First of all, God wanted to live among his people.  That was the whole idea behind the Tabernacle.  That is just a little awe inspiring to me, God wants to live with his people. Hey, guess what? If you are a Christ follower, you are his people.  God still wants to do life with me and with you! 

Next, God spends more time explaining his house and all the minute details that will go into it than he does explaining the law.  God shows his love of beauty, design and symbolism as he describes his house.  I remember building our dream house.  I had details upon details that I wanted incorporated into this home.  Scores of ideas were shared and implemented to make this home our forever home.  God did the same when he described the Tabernacle to those who would build it. 

God even designed the clothes that his servants, the priests, should wear while they performed their duties.  I was amazed by the description of the ephod.  In Exodus 28:12 it says, "Fasten the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel.  Aaron will carry these names on his shoulders as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the Lord."  I  just thought that was so cool.  The people that Aaron was to represent to God were right there on his shoulders, written so that he couldn't forget them!  "God," I whispered, "Who is written on my shoulders?  Who am I representing every time I come to you?"  What a question!  I thought about that many times through out the day, and I am still mulling it over in my head.  Obviously there are people like my husband and kids, their spouses and children.  People that I worship with came to mind.  Then the many students I have taught over the years.  How about my neighbors?  So many people.  I am left wondering where the cut off is?  Or is there a cut off?  How many people should we be holding on our shoulders and bringing them to God in prayer?  I don't have the answer for that at this time, but I'm sure that God will share those names with me as I continue to meditate and do his will. 

A last thing that I noticed, was that God filled each and every workman with wisdom so that they could complete the task of creating the Tabernacle with the most skill and excellence available to them. 

With all the detail that God expected in his Tabernacle, I can't help but wonder, what does God expect of me?  Does he want to be that involved in my life?  Does God work in me to inspire me as I teach my little people?  Does he even care about my kiddos learning?  Does God want my home to be a place of beauty where others are pointed to him?  Does he care that much about what I wear?  And if he does, what does my life now look like? 

A lot to ponder here on this chilly evening in Northern Michigan.  I hope that God is blessing you and that you are growing in his knowledge.  He is such a good God, it is a blessing to get to know him. 

Follow Me

Follow Me

Genesis 12:1
Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you."

Abram was asked to leave everything he knew, everything that gave him identity.  God asked him to leave his country and his family.  He left the land he knew.  He left his family and friends, taking only his wife, his nephew and his servants.  Abram moved in faith.  He had no idea where he was going or even why, other than God told him to and promised to make him a great nation. 

Just close your eyes and try to imagine what Abram was experiencing.  I recently did just that, only my eyes were wide open.  I was laid off from my job, one that I had held for seventeen years.  That job was my identity.  I was a teacher.  When I was laid off, my husband and I knew we had to do something drastic.  We looked at our options and decided that a move might be best for us. The kids were grown and on their own, and we had always wanted to move to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, maybe this was our opportunity.  God made it clear that He was calling us to this new land.  We left our family behind and the area were we had both grown up.  We were part of a thriving ministry.  Because of this move we learned that we had let our ministry define who we were.  When we moved to this small town, we had no idea what God had in store for us, and to be honest, we still don't some days.  We went through a time of rest, that was very difficult to two busy first borns.  But in that time, God taught us to rest in Him and to look to Him for our identity.  To allow Him to lead us.  To look to Him for our every need.  It was a time of great discovery.  We discovered more about who we are in Christ.

Sometimes God puts us in situations to grow our faith, to make us stronger by showing us how weak we really are.  God also calls us out of our comfort zone to prepare us for something bigger, He sets us apart to grow us into what God needs us to be.  I need to get back to my faith - to simply following God and doing exactly what He asks, not caring about the outcome.  Just trusting Him. 

Father, lead me.  I trust you and will follow you where You lead.  I don't need to know the outcome.  I just need You.

Feeling Small

Psalms 8:3-4

When I consider your heavens, the work of you fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?  

Walking the shores of Lake Superior is one of my favorite things to do.  On a still day the expanse of blue water is calming and tranquil.  But, my favorite time to visit the lake is when she has her "sassy pants" on.  The waves churn and jump sending spray launching into the air.  The crash of the waves is so loud that talking is impossible. The air is filled with mist and the wind takes your breath away.  

This lake constantly reminds me of God's awesome power and majesty.  It reminds me to respect God and to remember how small I am compared to him.  

When I look at the stars at night, they seem so close, yet so far away.  The tiny pinpricks of twinkling light are actually huge suns many millions of miles away.  It boggles my mind.  

When I think of the natural world around me and the splendor of the one who created me, I feel small...very small, insignificant even. 

But God has shown me He uses little things to do big things.  The tiny acorn that I put in my pocket is the start of the giant oak in the forest.  A tiny kernel of corn produces a stalk that grows several ears of corn and on each ear are hundreds of kernels.   

God can use me too. I just need to be willing.  I'm still small when I walk with God, but as I follow him, and  do his will, I find I am not insignificant.  I am made in his image, with his hand.  I am different from the rest of his creation - I have a soul and He wants to fellowship with me.  I am growing into an oak tree!