Living in the Moment

I recently spent three days and three nights attending an Emmaus Walk at a local church. I had heard about them for years, but never felt nudged to attend one until several weeks ago. It was described to me, prior to my attendance, as little blessings and surprises wrapped in love that kept building upon each other. Of course I tried hard to figure that out, but there was no way I could’ve been prepared for what transpired—especially in my own heart. I won’t share any of those major surprises with you (I don’t want to ruin it for anyone else), but I will say I was blown away. Not immediately, but well into the second day it seemed I couldn’t quit crying from the joy and overwhelming love, I continuously felt from God.

The stress of daily life had crept up on me to the point where I had been doing very little ministry, including inspirational writing. I had drifted away from the Lord, and hadn’t even realized it. I had let myself become increasingly busy trying to make up for my husband’s job loss, and to emotionally be there for him through his chronic pain. Having time set aside just to hear from God was the best thing that could’ve happened to me.

Right off the bat, the most refreshing thing I heard from the leaders was, we wouldn’t see any clocks and not to wear a watch so we could “live in the moment.”  That proved to be a lot harder for some than for others. For me, not only was it refreshing, but it was humbling to realize how little I had been trusting God, and how much I had been trying to control my own life. I had been missing out on living today, because I was so worried about tomorrow.

I had forgotten to put (and keep) first things first. We are not here to make money and have nice houses. Yes, we do need some money and a decent dwelling, but the buying and caring for stuff should never mean more to us than serving God by loving and ministering to others. When we keep our priorities right, God blesses us and uses us to be a blessing.

How about you? Are you living in the moment? Are you trusting God with the small stuff?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Stop and Pray

            Kathy lived in a nearby city and one evening it was announced on our local news that she was missing, along with the family’s minivan. Fortunately, she was discovered the next day, unharmed and several hundred miles from home. It seems she had driven to a nearby highway and then continued driving mindlessly for hours. 
            The reason was soon discovered:  life had become too much to deal with and she had “run away.”  The stress of being everything to everyone had taken its toll. 
            I think each one of us, at some point in our life, could relate to this woman. Sometimes life gets too complicated and painful— we’d love to purchase a one-way ticket to nowhere.  For most of us, it is a sense of hopelessness and despair that prompts us to want to flee; we are despondent about our situation and can’t see a way out. 
            Maybe it’s a bad marriage and the enemy of your soul keeps whispering, “Get a divorce and solve all your problems.” It seems it would be the easy way out; after all, your mate is never going to change….
It’s at those crucial moments that we need to stop and pray. The One who created us knows and understands our longing to escape. He knows how tough this life can be.  When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane and cried out, “…nevertheless not my will, but Yours, be done,” His human flesh wanted to run, but God’s power enabled him to stay and pray. (Luke 22:42)
            That same power can enable you to stay and pray, too. Keep your hand in the Father’s hand and hang on tight. He will guide you through this maze called life. He will walk beside you and never leave you, no matter how tough it gets.

            Lord, remind us that You are with us, even when we don’t feel Your presence.  Amen.

“And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20

The Seeing Eye of God

I don’t know about you, but when I shop, walk inside a bank, get gas for my car, or attend a public gathering, I often forget I’m being watched on a camera. I forget that what I am doing has the potential to be viewed by many. And in this day and age, anything we do could be put on You Tube and possibly viewed by millions— without our knowledge or permission. It is a mind-boggling thought, and one that makes most of us uncomfortable. Being observed by others without our knowledge, or consent, seems just plain wrong.

The flip side to this, however, is that lots of criminals get caught thanks to all these cameras. It’s hard to deny in a court of law that you did something when your face and actions are plastered on a screen. And who would argue the worth of film records when a terrorist or a horrible babysitter gets caught because of a hidden camera?

I’m not a You Tube junkie, but a while back there was a short video circulating of people getting caught in the act of kindness. It was wonderfully refreshing. We forget there are lots of good people in this world whose daily acts of kindness quite often go unnoticed. There are many dedicated caregivers who go the extra mile caring for people and keeping order in their home. They offer words of encouragement and hugs when they don’t have to. There are shoppers who pick up clothes on the floor left by others and hang them up. There are patient people in line who let strangers behind them go ahead. Many of these actions are filmed on camera, but seldom do they show up on the 6:00 news or get praised on a large scale…by man anyway.

Yet, our all-knowing, all-seeing God doesn’t miss a one. He doesn’t miss anything we say, do, or think. Our heavenly Father knows the good about us and the bad; yet loves us anyway. He seeks only our time, our attention, and especially our love.

Maybe we should be less worried about humans watching us and more concerned about our Holy God, the One whom we will stand before on Judgment Day. How do we live in front of Him?
God cares about the small stuff, and sees it. What if we lived like we truly believe He knows everything we say, do, or think? What difference would that make in our life?

 

The Perfect Peace of God

With hubby home now I’ve gone back to being a part-time caregiver for seniors. Not only is the extra income nice, but I had forgotten how rewarding it was to spend time with the elderly. I assist them with simple household chores and run errands for them. I also have the honor of listening to their stories from days gone by. The elderly among us are a treasure-trove of wisdom, and have some very interesting perspectives on life. They have witnessed amazing technological advances in their many decades on this earth, and they have weathered many personal storms.

Each time I meet a new client I am a little nervous. In the past month I’ve been with four different clients, all women, and all with distinct temperaments. I often wonder if our personalities will match and if we will have much in common to talk about. Some are independent and want their own space, but many are lonesome and long for conversation. Some are frustrated that their bodies are wearing out, and others have gracefully accepted it, acknowledging that they’ve been given a precious gift of time. For those who are not struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia, they often reflect on their past. Their own outlook on life can make the job both interesting and challenging.

As you can imagine, I pray a lot for insight and wisdom. A client’s family members are often in the picture, too. They are understandably concerned, yet they struggle with the challenges of dealing with their loved one. We try to relieve their burden and bring peace back into their lives.

In my own personal life, though, on top of going back to work, I also had writing deadlines to meet and two speeches to give. One week in particular was exhausting. The stress had mounted, making it tough to sleep. I was astonished at how God sent constant reminders to me to stay focused on Him, beginning immediately upon awakening. Every morning, and several times throughout the day, I heard (and still hear) the following verse from Isaiah 26:3: “I will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee.”  I had never memorized that verse, but I was familiar with it. Yet, each time God brought it to the forefront of my mind it gave such relief. Throughout the day it would give me a surge of energy if I was helping a dementia client get her legs back on the couch for the tenth time that hour. In the afternoon when my creativity is not at its best, that verse would bring clarity of thought while trying to write an article. And, immediately before giving those two speeches, I heard it again. I put my trust completely in the One who can do all things through His willing servant, and He amazingly came through, every time.

God longs to do the same for you, too, but you need to do your part. Read His word daily and become familiar with His voice, and then, put your faith and trust in Him…for He alone is worthy.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)

 

Easter’s Over…Now What?

I know Easter is long gone, but this year I feel a need to linger over it a bit longer. I usually have no problem putting the Easter decorations away the very next day and turning my mind to gardening and vacations. Summer, with its sunshine and warmth, is always a welcome thought on the heels of this Christian holiday. But this year I feel stalled.
   Maybe it has something to do with watching the television series, The Bible, on the History Channel every Sunday evening. The series culminated on Easter, and yes, I miss it. Millions of viewers sat glued to their televisions as the Bible was brought to life in a fresh and different way. Each week the show left an impact on my heart. While some agree that not every aspect of Roma Downey and Mark Burnett’s rendition of the greatest story ever told was biblically correct, the main parts, in my opinion, were realistic. The character of Paul, especially, while he was still known as Saul, really got me thinking. I knew Saul persecuted people, sometimes murdering them, just because they were Christ followers. He assumed he was doing a good thing (Acts 9:1-2). Saul was blinded to the truth until he was visited by Jesus while on the road to Damascus. After that, he was literally blind for three days. God got his attention, changed his heart, filled him with the Holy Spirit and Saul was a new man. Later, God changed his name to Paul.
   Like many viewers, I knew that biblical story. God chose to use someone who was highly educated, who knew the scriptures well, and who was bent on destroying Christianity, to be one of the greatest preachers and followers of Christ of all time.  And maybe it’s because my head has been saturated with prison ministry the past few years, but while watching the episode of Saul committing his crimes, I realized that God had every right to be angry with him. The Lord could have had him locked up for life, or even killed for his mistreatment of Christians. If God was irate with Saul for his behavior, no one would have blamed Him. But God chose to have compassion on Saul and performed spiritual heart surgery on him instead.
   When I think of those who have committed crimes and who are locked up in prison, the story of Saul inspires me to have a heart of compassion for them, like God had for Saul. They, too, have been blinded to the truth.
   The day after Easter I bought some marked down candy. It was a quality name brand and even at half-off it was rather pricey—I assumed it would be solid chocolate. Instead, it was hollow…empty inside. I couldn’t help but see the analogy of what Easter is to those who are “blinded”; who do not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus.  Life is hollow and empty, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
   Even though Easter is over (according to our calendars), its message is still clear—Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He is willing to forgive any sins you have committed, but you must turn to Him and trust Him to help you.

Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law (Psalm 119:17-18).