I live in the country and enjoy early morning walks with our rescued dog, Colby. Some mornings I am so full of joy (especially during a rare, sunny, spring morning in Ohio) that I feel I could burst at the seams. Since I don’t have many neighbors around to hear me, I am comfortable to share my excitement over a new day out loud with the Lord. I also share whatever else is on my heart. Oftentimes, and without a conscious effort on my part, my gratefulness seems to take on a life of its own as it inexplicably evolves into songs of praise and worship. Just this morning I witnessed that transition. While singing, I realized, too, how hard it is to complain or worry. Even though I might begin my walk by sharing with the Lord something that is bothering me, between the beauty of the earth, coupled with my appreciation for all that I have, any negativity, sadness, or depression I might have previously been struggling with dissolves away.
As I exercise my body, endorphins are released which also help to lift those everyday pressures. Early morning walks benefit me physically and spiritually as they change my heart from self-focus to God focus. As I witness the dawning of a new day, it cements into my being that the Father of all creation is doing a fresh, new thing in my life, also. And, being amidst His creation reminds me that He is in control of all things, from the largest planet to the smallest insect.
It astounds me that God enjoys these times together as much as I do. He actually wants to hear my off-key voice sing songs of worship, along with my simple words of thanks for the gift of another day. Amazingly, that is His heart’s desire for us – pure and simple fellowship and thankfulness.
And He wants the same with you. Out of all the different life forms that God created, only man was given the ability to reason; to think and to choose. We have a choice, everyday, whether to turn our heart and mind toward God and choose to live for Him, or we can tune Him out and live for ourself, giving in to our petty wants and desires.
I promise you, if you choose the first you will be blessed, and …you will know pure, simple, joy. There’s no better way to start your day.
"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (Deut. 30:19)
Blessings,
Connie
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
It Is Finished
Like many writers, I have lots of incomplete articles that have been started on scraps of paper or filed on my computer. Those unfinished pieces won’t bless anyone unless I make the effort to get them published. Not completing a writing project or not sending it out is similar to addressing a birthday card for someone and not mailing it. Or, telling a hurting friend, “Let’s do lunch sometime,” and not following through. All good intentions, but if we don’t stick a stamp on the card or set a date on our calendar, that’s all it will be – a good intention. Unless carried out, our intentions won’t bless a soul. The words and actions that God wants us to say and do to minister to others won’t happen if we don’t make the effort.
After years of working on my first book (over 30 inspirational stories that at one time were only half-finished pieces), I distinctly recall the moment when it was finally completed, edits and all. I remember saying out loud with a huge sense of relief and accomplishment, “It is finished.” I was acknowledging that after years of accumulating story ideas, and months of writing, my efforts had finally culminated into a finished work.
Two thousand years ago Jesus spoke those same words as He hung on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Those three words, spoken right before He died, acknowledged that the law had been fulfilled and grace was being ushered in. Jesus was making a statement that He had accomplished what He had set out to do, what had been prophesied that He would do, and what the Father wanted Him to do, since the beginning of time. His work on earth was completed and the scriptures had been fulfilled, up to this point. (The plan of redemption, however, was not complete until three days after His death on the cross, when Jesus was raised from the dead.)
In speaking those words, Jesus was stating that He had finished the task at hand. During His short life on earth, He had suffered a lot; however, He chose to endure it all, including the cross, not for Himself, but for us.
I can’t help but wonder; what if Jesus had chosen not to finish the work of the cross? What if He had chosen to settle for the easy way out; or for just “good intentions”?
This Easter season, let the finished work of the cross spur you on to finish what you have started for the Kingdom. Spend some time alone with the Lord and ask Him to set your priorities. He will nudge you to do what is eternally important. “Finishing” is all about obedience. Whatever it is, don’t delay in doing your part to fulfill the great commission.
Jesus kept us in mind when He finished the work on the cross. We need to keep Him in mind as we finish our work for Him.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
In Him,
Connie
After years of working on my first book (over 30 inspirational stories that at one time were only half-finished pieces), I distinctly recall the moment when it was finally completed, edits and all. I remember saying out loud with a huge sense of relief and accomplishment, “It is finished.” I was acknowledging that after years of accumulating story ideas, and months of writing, my efforts had finally culminated into a finished work.
Two thousand years ago Jesus spoke those same words as He hung on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Those three words, spoken right before He died, acknowledged that the law had been fulfilled and grace was being ushered in. Jesus was making a statement that He had accomplished what He had set out to do, what had been prophesied that He would do, and what the Father wanted Him to do, since the beginning of time. His work on earth was completed and the scriptures had been fulfilled, up to this point. (The plan of redemption, however, was not complete until three days after His death on the cross, when Jesus was raised from the dead.)
In speaking those words, Jesus was stating that He had finished the task at hand. During His short life on earth, He had suffered a lot; however, He chose to endure it all, including the cross, not for Himself, but for us.
I can’t help but wonder; what if Jesus had chosen not to finish the work of the cross? What if He had chosen to settle for the easy way out; or for just “good intentions”?
This Easter season, let the finished work of the cross spur you on to finish what you have started for the Kingdom. Spend some time alone with the Lord and ask Him to set your priorities. He will nudge you to do what is eternally important. “Finishing” is all about obedience. Whatever it is, don’t delay in doing your part to fulfill the great commission.
Jesus kept us in mind when He finished the work on the cross. We need to keep Him in mind as we finish our work for Him.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
In Him,
Connie
Friday, April 1, 2011
Attitude Adjustment
Four years ago, after living in an old farmhouse for almost a decade, we were finally building a ranch home. We stopped by the new house one morning to talk with our electrician, who was finishing the wiring. He greeted us with three scary words: “You’ve been robbed!” He went on to say that someone had stripped all the copper wiring that he had installed.
My emotions went from relief that it could have been worse, to anger, especially after being informed by the Sheriff that there wasn’t much he could do. He would record the incident, but added, “This type of crime happens far too often. Most of the time it’s for drug money – they get desperate.”
The insurance company wasn’t encouraging either. We were basically out the money with no recourse.
All afternoon I struggled with my emotions. I felt violated and angry. How could someone stoop so low as to steal from others? What goes through a person’s mind to think it was okay to take something that didn’t belong to them?
When we finally returned home to the farmhouse there was a message from Pat, another volunteer from the jail ministry I was involved in. She said a female inmate, “Marla”, was having a tough time adapting…could I come and visit her and offer her some hope and encouragement?
Still frustrated about the robbery, I called Pat back and lamented about it until I finally remembered Marla. I couldn’t visit her right away, but I would soon because, “My plate’s pretty full right now.”
“That’s okay,” Pat responded understandingly. “I’ll visit her tonight; no problem.”
“But Pat, you’re going through a lot now, too.”
“Well,” Pat continued, her voice calm and peaceful, “You know how it is. When you reach out to others who are suffering, it helps keep your own problems in the right perspective. Marla’s hooked on drugs. She’s in there for stealing. She’s devastated over what she has done and wants to stop, but the addiction is so strong. I’ll visit her tonight and …”
“Wait,” I interrupted, my eyes suddenly filling with tears. “I think I need to visit her.”
I slowly hung up the phone, humbled by the plight of this woman. The anger over what a stranger had done to us, all probably due to a drug addiction, was giving way to compassion and pity.
Our jails and prisons are overcrowded with people who are battling substance abuse. Oftentimes these offenders were previously upright citizens who never intended to get hooked. Their addictions led them to commit crimes that they would never have considered before. Sadly, many programs that offered assistance to addicts have been cancelled, and the waiting list for inmates to enter half-way houses is usually way too long. Add to that the lack of jobs and poor economy, and it becomes a vicious cycle.
Now, more than ever, Christians are needed to come alongside prisoners of despair and offer them hope. Many offenders have never heard of the life-saving truth of the gospel. They often don’t know that Jesus can offer them a new start in life, that He loves them and will forgive them.
That visit to Marla four years ago culminated into one of the biggest blessings of my life, as we are still good friends. She has stayed clean since getting out, restored her relationship with her family, and knows without a doubt, that God loves her.
…I was in prison, and you came to visit me (Mathew 25:26).
My emotions went from relief that it could have been worse, to anger, especially after being informed by the Sheriff that there wasn’t much he could do. He would record the incident, but added, “This type of crime happens far too often. Most of the time it’s for drug money – they get desperate.”
The insurance company wasn’t encouraging either. We were basically out the money with no recourse.
All afternoon I struggled with my emotions. I felt violated and angry. How could someone stoop so low as to steal from others? What goes through a person’s mind to think it was okay to take something that didn’t belong to them?
When we finally returned home to the farmhouse there was a message from Pat, another volunteer from the jail ministry I was involved in. She said a female inmate, “Marla”, was having a tough time adapting…could I come and visit her and offer her some hope and encouragement?
Still frustrated about the robbery, I called Pat back and lamented about it until I finally remembered Marla. I couldn’t visit her right away, but I would soon because, “My plate’s pretty full right now.”
“That’s okay,” Pat responded understandingly. “I’ll visit her tonight; no problem.”
“But Pat, you’re going through a lot now, too.”
“Well,” Pat continued, her voice calm and peaceful, “You know how it is. When you reach out to others who are suffering, it helps keep your own problems in the right perspective. Marla’s hooked on drugs. She’s in there for stealing. She’s devastated over what she has done and wants to stop, but the addiction is so strong. I’ll visit her tonight and …”
“Wait,” I interrupted, my eyes suddenly filling with tears. “I think I need to visit her.”
I slowly hung up the phone, humbled by the plight of this woman. The anger over what a stranger had done to us, all probably due to a drug addiction, was giving way to compassion and pity.
Our jails and prisons are overcrowded with people who are battling substance abuse. Oftentimes these offenders were previously upright citizens who never intended to get hooked. Their addictions led them to commit crimes that they would never have considered before. Sadly, many programs that offered assistance to addicts have been cancelled, and the waiting list for inmates to enter half-way houses is usually way too long. Add to that the lack of jobs and poor economy, and it becomes a vicious cycle.
Now, more than ever, Christians are needed to come alongside prisoners of despair and offer them hope. Many offenders have never heard of the life-saving truth of the gospel. They often don’t know that Jesus can offer them a new start in life, that He loves them and will forgive them.
That visit to Marla four years ago culminated into one of the biggest blessings of my life, as we are still good friends. She has stayed clean since getting out, restored her relationship with her family, and knows without a doubt, that God loves her.
…I was in prison, and you came to visit me (Mathew 25:26).
Thursday, March 17, 2011
“Lucky” or “Blessed”?
This time of year you see a lot of green. Lawns that had been blanketed with snow all winter begin to acquire a hint of that refreshing color. Stores are decorating their windows with displays of shamrocks, along with promotions for corned beef and cabbage. Even McDonalds has gotten into the act by offering mint green milkshakes.
Like many parents, my husband and I would have fun on St. Patrick's Day with our kids, by fixing green food. While not appetizing to look at, it was priceless to see their faces when they awoke first thing in the morning to green scrambled eggs and green milk. And of course many people wear something green today, too, even though they may not be Irish.
Interestingly enough, Saint Patrick wasn’t even Irish. He was actually born in Roman Britain in the 4th century. At the age of sixteen he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave. He was told by God in a dream to flee from captivity to the coast, where he would board a ship and return to Britain. That dream must have had a huge impact on him, because upon his return to Britain he studied to be a priest. In the year 432, Patrick sensed the Lord calling him back to Ireland, but this time as a bishop, to help spread Christianity to the Irish. Legend has it that he used the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish people. Patrick died on March 17, 461, after nearly thirty years of evangelism.
Over the centuries the celebration of his life has become more of a pagan holiday. St. Patrick’s Day, in this country, is commemorated with parades and parties, along with getting pinched if you don’t wear green. The original celebration seems to have lost its original Christian meaning.
On this day, too, we often hear a lot about “the luck of the Irish”, although I doubt Saint Patrick originated that term. To be lucky means to have something happen by chance. A person can be lucky or unlucky, depending on the way things come to pass. Some people believe tangible items can bring them luck, such as a rabbit’s foot or four-leaf clover. Believing in luck has its roots in superstition and magic.
Blessings, on the other hand, come from Almighty God, our Creator, our helper, and our divine protector. To bless someone means to ask God to bestow good upon them; to be divinely or supremely favored.
Most Christians don’t believe in luck. We don’t believe that things randomly happen to us, causing us to be lucky or unlucky. Rather we believe in the sovereign hand of God. We know that, if we don’t get the blessing that we may long for, we can rest in the knowledge that it is for our own good; that God has a better plan. We stand on God’s word, especially Romans 8:28: “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose for them”.
Being truly blessed can only come from having a relationship with God. He is calling us to know Him…are you answering His call?
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
God Bless You,
Connie
Like many parents, my husband and I would have fun on St. Patrick's Day with our kids, by fixing green food. While not appetizing to look at, it was priceless to see their faces when they awoke first thing in the morning to green scrambled eggs and green milk. And of course many people wear something green today, too, even though they may not be Irish.
Interestingly enough, Saint Patrick wasn’t even Irish. He was actually born in Roman Britain in the 4th century. At the age of sixteen he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave. He was told by God in a dream to flee from captivity to the coast, where he would board a ship and return to Britain. That dream must have had a huge impact on him, because upon his return to Britain he studied to be a priest. In the year 432, Patrick sensed the Lord calling him back to Ireland, but this time as a bishop, to help spread Christianity to the Irish. Legend has it that he used the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish people. Patrick died on March 17, 461, after nearly thirty years of evangelism.
Over the centuries the celebration of his life has become more of a pagan holiday. St. Patrick’s Day, in this country, is commemorated with parades and parties, along with getting pinched if you don’t wear green. The original celebration seems to have lost its original Christian meaning.
On this day, too, we often hear a lot about “the luck of the Irish”, although I doubt Saint Patrick originated that term. To be lucky means to have something happen by chance. A person can be lucky or unlucky, depending on the way things come to pass. Some people believe tangible items can bring them luck, such as a rabbit’s foot or four-leaf clover. Believing in luck has its roots in superstition and magic.
Blessings, on the other hand, come from Almighty God, our Creator, our helper, and our divine protector. To bless someone means to ask God to bestow good upon them; to be divinely or supremely favored.
Most Christians don’t believe in luck. We don’t believe that things randomly happen to us, causing us to be lucky or unlucky. Rather we believe in the sovereign hand of God. We know that, if we don’t get the blessing that we may long for, we can rest in the knowledge that it is for our own good; that God has a better plan. We stand on God’s word, especially Romans 8:28: “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose for them”.
Being truly blessed can only come from having a relationship with God. He is calling us to know Him…are you answering His call?
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
God Bless You,
Connie
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Role Reversal
If you are a married woman, you probably made lots of assumptions about your husband from the day you married; such as, he would be alongside you through thick and thin, taking care of you and your children. Besides maintaining the house, yard, and cars, he would be your helpmate and would be there for you physically and emotionally. Maybe you assumed your spouse would be the main breadwinner so you could stay home with the children. Regardless of your original plans, you counted on him to be your support system and available to help you through life 24/7. You never planned on becoming the sole financial breadwinner, the full-time parent, or bearing the burden of home responsibilities all on your shoulders alone. But now (and maybe through no fault of your own), your mate is out of the picture.
Or maybe it is your child who has veered from the path that you assumed he would walk, and has become entangled with people who make poor choices. Ever since he came into this world you may have had a vision that one day he would be there for you, in your time of need, to help you with life as you aged. However, due to his bad decisions, not only do you continue to have to be there for him, you may even have to care for his children in the process. This certainly isn’t how you envisioned your golden years.
When Jesus was talking with his disciples about His kingdom that was to come (Mark 10: 35-45), the disciples assumed Jesus meant that He was about to take control of an earthly throne, the throne of David. And they probably speculated, too, that this new kingdom would be complete with a palace and an army and lots of important positions. James and John even asked to be His left and right hand men. Their vision of the future included Jesus becoming something that He never did become. They saw Jesus fulfilling a role that He never intended to fill.
Oftentimes our loved ones’ lives do not match up to our vision of what we had for them. Dreams are dashed, hopes are crushed, and our loved one makes a terrible choice that affects our life forever. And on top of everything else, we may end up having to be both mother and father (or parent and grandparent), to the innocent children involved.
Life is unpredictable and oftentimes not fair, but with God’s help we can perform a role that was not of our choosing. No matter what our situation, God’s will for us right now is to be satisfied in Him and to trust His plan for us at this time in our life. We need to learn to let God be our helpmate through this journey; and to believe that He will take care of us into our future. After all, He sees tomorrow; we can’t.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).
In His Service,
Connie
Or maybe it is your child who has veered from the path that you assumed he would walk, and has become entangled with people who make poor choices. Ever since he came into this world you may have had a vision that one day he would be there for you, in your time of need, to help you with life as you aged. However, due to his bad decisions, not only do you continue to have to be there for him, you may even have to care for his children in the process. This certainly isn’t how you envisioned your golden years.
When Jesus was talking with his disciples about His kingdom that was to come (Mark 10: 35-45), the disciples assumed Jesus meant that He was about to take control of an earthly throne, the throne of David. And they probably speculated, too, that this new kingdom would be complete with a palace and an army and lots of important positions. James and John even asked to be His left and right hand men. Their vision of the future included Jesus becoming something that He never did become. They saw Jesus fulfilling a role that He never intended to fill.
Oftentimes our loved ones’ lives do not match up to our vision of what we had for them. Dreams are dashed, hopes are crushed, and our loved one makes a terrible choice that affects our life forever. And on top of everything else, we may end up having to be both mother and father (or parent and grandparent), to the innocent children involved.
Life is unpredictable and oftentimes not fair, but with God’s help we can perform a role that was not of our choosing. No matter what our situation, God’s will for us right now is to be satisfied in Him and to trust His plan for us at this time in our life. We need to learn to let God be our helpmate through this journey; and to believe that He will take care of us into our future. After all, He sees tomorrow; we can’t.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).
In His Service,
Connie
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