GOD SPEAKS A WORD OF COMFORT

Hi, Sharon.

I see you're a little down tonight.

Got a minute?

I've got some things to say to you.

Forget all this gloom.

Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved.

In quietness and confidence is your strength.

I must wait for you to come to Me so I can show you My love and compassion.

So, come...

I am a faithful God.

Blessed are those who wait for My help.

You will weep no more.

I will be gracious if you ask for help.

I will surely respond to your cries.

I know that I have given you adversity for food and suffering for drink...

But I will still be with you to teach you.

You will see Me, your teacher, with your own eyes!

Your own ears will hear Me.

Right behind you a Voice will say, "This is the way you should go."

I will guide you, whether to the right or to the left.

I will bless you with rain at planting time.

There will be wonderful harvests.

I will begin to heal you and cure the wounds I gave you.

You will be filled with joy.

And I will make my majestic Voice heard.

I will display the strength of My mighty arm.

Your enemies will be shattered at My command.

And you will celebrate...

Feel better?!

(Taken from Isaiah 30, New Living Translation)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SAD HAPPENS

Today I feel sad.

No particular reason…I just do.

Sometimes *sad* happens to me like June Gloom…a curiously Southern California phenomenon. Basically, a cold, gray marine layer blankets the sky until late afternoon. Sometimes, the sun never quite makes it out at all. This goes on for days, sometimes weeks…

Blah.

So, there's no explanation for this cold, dreary weather front in my soul. It's just there – blanketing everything.

I hesitated writing this post. I like being upbeat, encouraging, positive – and even downright inspiring once in a while.

But, right now, I don't have it in me.

I think this post should have been titled, "I Got Nothing – Part Two."

So, Lord – here I am in front of a computer screen – not "feeling it" – what do you want me to say?

"Tell them what happened last night."

Oh. Yeah.

OK, here's what happened.

When I get these "moods" I don't usually feel like doing much of anything. I am "She Who Is Unable To Be Pleased." I don't want to write and I don't want to read. TV is stupid and boring. I don't want to go outside, and I don't feel like sitting around. I'm not hungry, and I could eat a horse – a chocolate one, just sayin'…

Truthfully, I also don't feel like writing or visiting any blogs – how crummy is that?? But, I did see on my blog list last night that a close friend had a new post. She doesn't post that often, so I like to read and leave a comment for her whenever she does.

So, I hopped on over...

She wrote about *over-thinking* things – it was really good – even though I never do that. HA! Who am I kidding?!

In leaving her a comment, a verse came to my mind, and so I included that. (Tell you more about that in a moment…)

After posting the comment, I closed my laptop, and moped.

Now I know that this is not a "God-honoring" place to be. And I don't like the concerted determination that tends to creep into my heart – "I'm going to hold on to this mood no matter what."

So, desperate to cling on to something other than "grayness" – I decided to do a "Bible Pick ‘Ems." For those of you who don't know, it's when I randomly open up my Bible and read the two pages I've turned to – in trust that God will have something to say to me – (and also hoping that I don't end up in Leviticus).

Do you know that I turned to the VERY SAME verses that I had just used in my friend's blog comment??

Yes, God had a GOOD Word for me – (the Scripture I will share with you tomorrow) – and His comfort came to me in two ways.

One, the verses themselves were inspiring and precious. They reached my heart as if God had said them out loud.

And second, I realized that God was behind this *coincidence* – it's as if His hand reached out and touched me.

Sad happens.

It happened to many people we consider our *pillars of faith* – Moses and David, Job and Elijah – even Jesus Himself got discouraged and sad.

But, even in the cold, gray, dreary depths of saddened hearts – God is the sun that's still shining…

And His Son shines through the darkness.

Have you ever had "sad" just happen to you out of the blue?

(No pun intended!)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

HAPPY BLOG ANNIVERSARY TO ME!

YES!

One year ago today, I jumped into Blog Land, and posted my first post on my brand new blog.

I thought I would share that post with you today - it's funny, it still reflects my heart, one year later.

LEAP OF FAITH

Welcome to my new blog!

For many of you, *blogging* might not seem like a big deal. But, for me, it's HUGE!

You see, until just two weeks ago, my computer was a 12 year-old Gateway, with a massive hard drive, connected to the Internet by dial-up! Yes, you read that correctly. (By the way, it was sad leaving my weekend gig in the Neanderthal exhibit at the natural history museum, but it was just time to move on!)

My husband and I have a real aversion to all things technological – for instance, he didn't own an answering machine until we started dating in 2003! So, for a long time I really rebelled against this whole blogging idea. It just sounded too "California" for me – "Hi, my name's Sharon. I'm a Taurus. I blog…"

You know what I mean?!

But then, I began to get the sense that this might be a direction that God was leading me to explore.

For a while now, I have had a distinct pull on my heart (still, small voice?!) that God wants to do SOMETHING with me. I love to write, and more and more, blogging seemed to be the answer – at least a great starting point. I have really fought this one – feeling like I was "selling out" or going over to the "dark side." And quite frankly, my hesitation also came because I was afraid. Afraid to start something – afraid to fail, almost afraid to succeed.

But then I realized a great truth from the Bible. God called all sorts of scared people to do His work! And most often, those called were not asked to do an easy thing.

Forget taking a "step of faith" – they were called to LEAP!

"Hey Noah, I've got this boat idea!"

"You know, Abraham, I think it's time to re-locate."

"Moses, remember those Israelites in Egypt?"

You get the picture.

God calls us to BIG THINGS, things that feel too much for us to achieve, let alone even start sometimes. But isn't that the whole point? We are not asked to have the strength or the courage or the skills to meet His calling – we are only asked to RESPOND.

I want to be like Samuel:

And the LORD came and called…And Samuel replied, "Speak, your servant is listening!"

Here's to my leap of faith!

Where is God going to ask you to jump?!

(First published on Monday, June 28, 2010)

***My heartfelt thanks to all of you! I am so grateful for your friendship, and for all the encouragement and inspiration you have given me this past year. I look forward to what God is going to do in the future!***

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

WE'RE NUMBER ONE

Really???

I've been thinking about the Ten Commandments recently – (not really, but don't you think we should once in awhile?)

Specifically, the first one.

"You must not have any other god but me."

Not a lot of wiggle room in there…

Personally, it's not a problem for me to worship only God – when I think about other gods like Molech, or Baal, or Buddha. I worship the One True God, the LORD. The One who was, and is, and is to come.

Yes, my worship is imperfect – I realize that. But it isn't directed at any other name under the sun than the Almighty God Jehovah.

Now, the problem occurs when I think about other "gods" – other things that can creep into my heart and replace HIS position at Number One.

Today, we can allow many things to become gods to us – money, fame, work, or pleasure. These can become gods when we concentrate too much on them. Take a good, hard, long look at where you turn for personal identity, meaning, and security – anything other than God is idolatry.

No one really sets out with the intention of worshiping these things. But by the amount of time we devote to them, they can ultimately control our thoughts and energies.

They will subtly begin to replace God as the central focus of our hearts.

So, I'm posing this question…

Do we love God – or what He can do for us?

Most of us aren't – or at least we're trying – to not treat God as a heavenly vending machine. We aren't seeking to manipulate Him into only pleasing us. We sincerely want to do His will, and worship and please Him.

So, here's the second question I'm posing…

Do we love God – or what we can do for Him?

This is the more subtle question. Our enemy is so very sneaky – so very manipulative – so very twisted. He has unique temptations reserved for just us believers. He knows that he's lost us for eternity. So, his tactics take on a different aim.

He aims to re-direct our attention – to divert us – to sidetrack us with distractions.

And what better distraction than to consume us with the desire to do something for God?

Hear me out…

Because we love God, we want to serve Him. We want to fulfill our God-given purpose in life. We want to use our God-given skills and talents for His glory. We want to make a difference for Him.

All very good goals…

And yet – (and I'm just going to speak for me now) – I can get consumed with my "doing" for the Lord – or the lack of it – or the desire for it. I can get consumed with finding a *ministry* for Him – or bemoaning the lack of it – or obsessively desiring it – seeking it – trying desperately to make it happen.

And the devil has opened all sorts of dangerous cracks in my heart through this – being envious, being judgmental, being proud, being discouraged, being selfish, being discontent, being worried…

So, the other day, I thought about this first commandment again:

"You must not have any other god but me."

And I heard the question that God was really asking me – the one that I keep hearing again and again – the one that I can't seem to escape…

"Sharon, is it really just Me?"

Do I really love God? Or have I been guilty of seeking what I can do for Him, instead of just seeking HIM?

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need." (Luke 12:31)

How did I hear God say this to me?

"Sharon, seek ME, above all else. Leave the rest up to Me. I will give you talents and skills, and opportunities to use them. I will give you meaning and purpose. I will bring you into areas of ministry. I'll show you ways to do things for Me. But, it's got to be Me, and only Me, that you seek more than anything in the world – even more than pleasing Me. Look for Me with your whole heart…and you will find Me."

Do we love God?

I want to love God – period.

I love God.

(Is this ever a struggle for you?)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - Specks of Matter

My husband and I love to go camping in the desert.

And one of my favorite things to do is sit by the campfire and look at the sky.

It's fun to scan the sky at dusk, and try to find the first few *stars* that appear. Before you know it, the sky is FILLED with them – they are EVERYWHERE! You can even see the Milky Way – it looks like a wispy cloud that stretches from horizon to horizon.

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite things to study and learn about was astronomy – it still is!

One of the amazing facts I learned about stars is this – the distances are mind-boggling!

Ready for our lesson? (Don't worry – there won't be a pop quiz!)

Besides the Sun, the nearest star to Earth is called Alpha Centauri. It lies 4.21 light years away from earth. That means if something could travel at the speed of light, which is 186,000 miles EVERY SECOND, it would take 4.21 years to reach this closest star.

Think of it this way – the spacecraft that holds the record for the fastest ever space travel would take a STAGGERING 19,000 years to reach this star!

So, needless to say, sitting under that beautiful canopy of stars in the desert is an absolutely spectacular, awe-inspiring experience.

And quite humbling, I might add.

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" is a perfect reminder:

"When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place – what are people that you should think about them, mere mortals that you should care for them?" (Psalm 8:3-4)

You know, it's true.

Staring at the infinite majesty of the skies, it is easy to think that we are nothing to an Almighty God.

And yet, Psalm 147:4 makes this amazing statement: "[God] counts the stars and knows them by name."

In light of His awesome power, we seem so small and insignificant.

We seem like nothing more than "specks of matter."

And yet, our God DOES indeed think of us… more often than we can even know.

Listen to the words of Psalm 139:17, 18: "How precious are your thoughts about ME, O God. They CANNOT BE NUMBERED! I can’t even count them…"

Our God, the One who knows the stars by name, also knows my name, and YOUR name, each one of you.

And He thinks about us all the time.

We are "specks of matter"…that matter!

Yes, my friends, God not only THINKS about us – HE LOVES US!

Let these wonderful words from the book of Psalms wash over you:

"The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love…He does not punish us for our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as GREAT AS THE HEIGHT OF THE HEAVENS ABOVE EARTH…For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust…the love of the LORD remains FOREVER with those who love him."

Yes, looking at the stars in the desert sky gives me new insights about God. The work of His creation in the heavens is awe-inspiring, and it can make us feel insignificant.

However, the same God who paints the sky with stars, is also the One who came to die for us!

He gave His life for us – just because He LOVES us.

And you know what the best news is?

This love is ours FOREVER!

"NO power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, NOTHING in all creation will EVER be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord!" (Romans 8:39)

I will never look at the stars without thinking about God’s love, His FOREVER love.

And my hope for you today is this – that you will ALWAYS know His deep love within your own heart, and that you will draw closer to the majestic God of the heavens, the Master of the skies, the One who knows the stars by name…

…the "Living One who sees YOU" – and knows YOUR name.

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

"Note that the Lord of angels does not come and go, and pay us transient visits, but he and his armies encamp around us. The head-quarters of the army of salvation are where those live whose trust is in the living God. This camp surrounds the faithful, so that they cannot be attacked from any quarter...

We have a fixed protection, a permanent watch...we shall not be surprised by sudden assaults, nor swallowed up by overwhelming forces.

Deliverance is promised...deliverance by the great Captain of our salvation, and that deliverance we shall obtain again and again until our warfare is accomplished and we exchange the field of conflict for the home of rest."

(From "Daily Readings by C. H. Spurgeon" by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, c. 1834-1892)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Restless

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: restless

What does it feel like to be restless?

What sorts of circumstances and/or situations make you feel restless?

What do you do when you have a restless spirit?

Let me know what you think!!

"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

ON A CLEAR DAY

On a clear day, you can see forever…

Great song lyric, great sentiment.

But, life isn't a "clear day" too often, is it?

Most often, it's cloudy with a chance of showers. It's an incoming storm front. It's a gray layer of stratus clouds (impressed with my science knowledge??) that blocks the sun.

Things are most often anything but clear.

And there's the rub, right?

We humans are kinda hard-wired to want certainty, security, and control. We want to know what's coming next, where we're headed, what to expect and when to expect it…

We like clarity.

We don't just want life to unfold – we want to unfold it – in neat little wrapped up packages – packages that once opened, make sense.

This is the challenge for all of us – but it's especially a challenge for the believer.

We think because we know the Master Unfolder, we sorta expect to understand everything about the packages. We kinda think (at least I do) that we have a "right" to insider information. Shouldn't we know what God is up to? I mean, we're following Him, right?

Would it hurt Him to share a little of that omniscience stuff that He has? Could it be a big deal to give us a just a little portion of His foreknowledge?

I was thinking about this – (read: whining and struggling) – and I thought about something I was talking to my son about…

My youngest son loves sailing. In fact, he and his brother and dad just bought an old sailboat. They're going to fix it up, and sail the seven seas – (I'm hoping it's just going to be the Pacific Ocean, by the way – and I hope the sea-sailing isn't too far from shore, just sayin'…)

He's telling me all about the sails and the engine and the equipment – all the technical and mechanical "stuff"of boats.

I'm asking him about the navigation system.

Because, you see, my priority is their safety.

I know that the one thing they want to do is sail to Catalina Island – about 26 miles away – and I'm worried about them getting lost.

"So, son, what happens if it's all cloudy and stormy and overcast, and you can't see Catalina? How do you get there? How do you know where you’re going?"

Son #2 laughs at my non-sailor naivety. I can hear his internal voice saying, "She's such a land-lubber…"

"Mom. You don't navigate by what you can see. You steer your course by trusting the compass."

Ding, ding, ding –

Ship's bells are ringing in my head. (Just so you know, three bells would signify 1½ hours into a 4-hour watch…impressed?)

What a spiritual lesson here!

If I could "see" my destination, if life was just one clear day after another, I wouldn't have to rely on anything or anyone else to guide me. But, because I can't see ahead, and life is usually a cloudy mess, I have to rely on the compass…

The Compass – the Lord.

Study His Word and set your course on His direction – make your destination the shores of eternity in His Presence – and then, trust The Compass.

He'll guide you through the cloudy days with showers, through the storm fronts, through the days when you can't see the sun shine…

He'll guide you when you can't see where you're headed.

He's got it covered – trust The Compass – He'll never steer you wrong.

Dear Lord, how often we try to steer our lives in our own directions. And that’s when we get lost. Teach us to not rely on what we can see with our own eyes or understand with our own wisdom. Enable us to let go of our control, and to trust You – our Compass who guides us safely to our destination. For You are the only Instrument that never changes, and Your Word is the only true course. Make Your will abundantly apparent in our lives…

Lord, be clear – and be close when you're not clear.

Here, take the helm of my life…

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A MIRACLE

Picture Jesus talking to a group of people...

He is approached by the leader of a synagogue, Jairus. The man kneels.

"My daughter has just died," he said, "but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her."

So Jesus and His disciples get up and go with him. Along the way, He is delayed by a woman with a bleeding problem. She is healed by her faith.

Of course, right at this pinnacle moment, messengers arrive from Jairus' house. They tell him, "Your daughter is dead. There's no use troubling the Teacher now."

But Jesus overhears them and says to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just have faith."

When Jesus arrives at the official's home, he sees much commotion and hears wailing and funeral music.

Jesus speaks to the crowd:

"Get out! The girl isn't dead; she's only asleep."

The crowd laughs at Him, but He makes them all leave.

Then Jesus - along with the girl's mother and father, and Peter, James, and John - goes into the room where the girl is lying.

Holding her hand, He says: "Talitha koum" - which means, "Little girl, get up!"

And the girl immediately stood up and walked around!

Dear friends, haven't we all at some point in our lives felt dead, and beyond all hope? Haven't people laughed and doubted - taunting that it was "too late" for us?

It isn't.

Jesus always arrives on time, and He is the Master at resurrecting "dead" things - reviving them, restoring them, revitalizing them. He can mend the most divided relationships, heal the most broken hearts, transform the most crooked lives.

He is the living definition of Hope.

Pray for Him to bring back to life those "dead" things in your life.

He can do it...it's never too late.

Koum...Arise.

(From Mark 5:21-24, 35-43 / NLT)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A CORNER OF HIS HEART

"You're too sensitive."

Boy, there's a statement I've heard all my life.

I've always had a soft heart – a heart that is easily wounded, that often feels sad, that empathizes with people too much – a heart that's too sensitive.

I've spent most of my life battling it, apologizing for it, trying to change it –

But, no more…

Why?

Because this is who I am – this is who God created me to be.

And I'm beginning to see that it's a privilege to have a sensitive heart.

God has been revealing new truth to me about this – and here's what I'm learning.

It's OK to feel sad when I am in a mall or a market or any place where there's a crowd of people – it's OK to feel sad about how many of them are lost and lonely.

It's OK to empathize with the elderly and the homeless and the addicted – it's OK to feel their personal prisons and their hopelessness.

It's OK to be wounded by the words and actions of others – it's OK to feel pained by the capacity for cruelty that lurks in the human heart.

It's OK to watch the news and cry – to see the world going mad and shed tears.

Darkness and pain, illness and disease, catastrophe and calamity – sad people are everywhere.

And everywhere there is sadness – there is sin.

How God must ache when He looks at our world – the world that He so lovingly created in perfection.

How it must hurt when He looks at humanity – the people that He so lovingly created in His perfect image.

How God must grieve.

God has a soft heart – a heart that is easily wounded, that often feels sad, that empathizes with people too much – a heart that's too sensitive.

And that truth taught me another one.

God created my heart, just the way it is…

He gave me the immense privilege of having a corner of His heart.

"[God] actually permits suffering to brim over into our lives. Yet this is not just any suffering but specifically the sufferings of Christ. What does this mean? It does not mean that we somehow complete what Christ failed to finish on the cross. The idea is, rather, that to identify with Christ is to identify with the suffering that was an essential part of his earthly ministry…Jesus taught his disciples--to wit, that all who would come after him must deny self, take up the cross and follow him (Mk 8:34). Suffering overflowed into Christ's life; suffering overflows into ours… both the gospel ministry and the lot of the Christian involve suffering." (From Bible Gateway)

My prayer:

Oh Lord, how thankful I am to be able to feel a little of what You feel. To look at Your world and Your people and feel sad over the way sin has wrecked everything. Thank you that I can be easily wounded, and that I can empathize with the plight of others. Thank you that my heart can be touched by suffering – that I am not hardened to pain. I am so grateful for the gift of sensitivity. Yes, it makes life harder, but it makes your gift of Life so much more meaningful. Thank you for Jesus, and the comforting truth that He understands it all. Amen.

"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world."

(1 Peter 4:12-13)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God"

MY GUARDIAN ANGEL

If I have a guardian angel…

…I feel sorry for him.

He's got me for a human, after all – and he's got his work cut out for him.

So, here's how I picture it.

Earlier this year, a huge angel convention met in the Third Heaven – "Guardian Angel Conference 2011: Takin' It To The Streets." All the angels are flying around, talking excitedly, relating stories of their *successes*...

Except for one lonely angel – sitting by himself at a table in the corner.

Several angels come up to him and try to start a conversation:

"Hey, Yd Obon, how's it going?" they say to him.

"It's going," he replies in a monotone.

"What seems to be the problem?" they ask.

"Well, it's just my human – Sharon. She's such a slow learner," he moans.

"Really?" says one of the taller angels. "My human is Billy Graham, and I don't think we've ever had that problem."

Yd sinks lower in his seat.

The angels, being good angels, sit down to talk with Yd. "Tell us all about it, brother. Maybe we can help."

So Yd proceeds to tell them all about my last year. Here's a few excerpts from his conversation:

"She always worries about stuff. Like everything. Where's her faith?"

"She has such low self-esteem sometimes. Why can't she see that she's a child – a CHILD, for Heaven's sake – of the King Himself?"

"She thinks she's too old to be of much use anymore."

Moses' angel interrupts. "Oh, I completely understand that one. Moses was a hard sell, too."

My angel continues:

"She doesn't pray often enough. I would love to carry her messages to Heaven. But she gets so distracted."

"She gets mired in her guilt sometimes over the past. Why can't she realize that the cross covered ALL of it?"

"She compares herself with others. It's so crazy. As if the Lord would create the same purpose for everyone. Doesn't she realize that He has something for JUST HER to do?"

"She gets so discouraged sometimes. Why can't she grab on to the hope she has? She's going to live forever with the Almighty – doesn't that mean anything to her?"

He finally just puts his head into his hands.

"Wow, Yd, you've got a tough situation there. We'll be thinking about you." The group of angels moves off.

Yd sits alone.

Finally, he becomes aware of someone else sitting down at the table.

He looks up.

Oh no – it's Him – Christos Himself. Yd frantically tries to sit up straight.

"Yeshua, it's an honor to have you stop by my table."

"Hello, Yd. I can tell that you're discouraged. Tell me what's going on."

And Yd pours out his heart to the Lord. He finishes with these weary words:

"I think Sharon's a lost cause, Lord."

Jesus smiles. He pulls up the sleeves of His tunic, and shows Yd his nail-scarred hands.

"I don't."

Yd and Jesus talk for an hour, and the Lord explains all about His love for this one, rather pathetic, human being…me.

Yd is encouraged…

…and I am blessed.

Jesus loves me, this I know.

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - A Tribute to My Dad

In honor of this special day, I'm sharing a poem I wrote about my dad.

BIG SHOES

When I was small

I used to walk around

in his big shoes,

clumping through the house,

Playing, yes

but also proud of my daddy.

Strong and sure

Always there

to protect me -

Now that I have grown

It seems

that I have spent my life

Trying to follow

in his footsteps...

They are big shoes

to fill.

But he left a path behind

A character road

Footprints

of intelligence,

integrity,

honesty,

and fairness.

In following him

I have learned to be

a leader,

I have learned to be

a better person.

Through the years

some things have changed,

most have not.

I am still proud of my daddy

Strong and sure

Always there

To protect me -

And though his steps

are slowing,

They are still

worth following

And I do -

For I will always be

a young girl

Walking around

in his big shoes...

© Sharon Kirby,

June 15, 2007

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, Dad!

Know that I have always loved you, and I always will!

***Wishing all you wonderful fathers a very Happy Father's Day!***

"Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, 'things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:2-3)

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

"The only way of relief for a sin-entangled soul, is by applying to God alone. Many things present themselves as diversions, many things offer themselves as remedies, but the soul finds that the Lord alone can heal. And until men are sensible of the guilt of sin, and quit all to come at once to God, it is in vain for them to expect any relief...

Why is it that these matters are so long uncertain with them? Is it not from sloth and despondency that they content themselves with common and customary applications to God?

Then let us stand up and be doing; it must be done, and it is attended with safety. We are to humble ourselves before God...

It is our unspeakable comfort that there is forgiveness with him, for that is what we need. Jesus Christ is the great Ransom; he is ever an Advocate for us, and through him we hope to obtain forgiveness."

"But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you."

- Psalms 130:4, NLT

(From "Daily Readings by Matthew Henry" by Matthew Henry, c. 1662-1714)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Solitude

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: solitude

What does the word solitude mean to you?

Are you a person who seeks solitude or avoids it? Why?

If you enjoy solitude, where is the best place you've found it?

Let me know what you think!!

"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

ANOTHER LESSON FROM A BEAGLE

"Mom…um, everything's OK, but..."

I hate phone conversations that begin like that. They rarely bring good news.

"Yeah…what now?"

"It's Marty."

Oh no. Instant shot of taser-like adrenaline – like sticking my finger in an electrical outlet (has anyone ever done that, by the way?)

"What happened?"

Thus began a lovely little odyssey a few weeks back around 9:00 PM on an otherwise unremarkable Tuesday night.

It seems that in the weekly ritual of taking out the trash (which often means gathering up a day or two of rubbish taking up residence around the house) – something fell to the ground and Marty got it.

My sons said it sounded "metallic" – and when they lunged to retrieve it from the mouth of Jonah's whale – Marty swallowed *IT* faster than you can say, "I'm a beagle!"

"What should we do? We think it could have been a bottle cap…"

I like to err on the side of caution – especially when it comes to my beloved granddog.

"You better take him to the emergency vet."

So, Son #1 and Son#2 and Dog #3 headed off. (I would have gone, but they live ½ hour away – and "The Hub" thinks I already *hover* too much…but I digress)

Alone, I waited, I prayed, I worried – I prayed some more.

About 10:20 PM I finally heard from them.

Good news – the X-ray didn't show anything. Bad news – plastic bottle caps don't show up on X-rays…neither does any sort of chemical that could have been on what Marty swallowed. Worst news – just to "be on the safe side" – they made him…ahem…regurgitate.

"How's he doing?" I asked breathlessly.

"He's fine. They gave him a shot of something to calm his stomach. He's just acting sleepy and worn out."

I slept terrible that night – assaulted by all sorts of fun nightmares – all with horribly dire outcomes.

The next morning I called to check in on my favorite beagle. He was absolutely fine – good as new.

What has Marty taught me about God this time?

Well, it's this. Sometimes we get ourselves into all kinds of trouble by ingesting things we shouldn't. Some things are dangerous, some are poison.

Case in point, I used to buy the National Enquirer on a semi-regular basis – I know, guilty pleasure – but then I felt convicted by it. (Want the true, true confession, though – I still buy it – ONLY every now and then – usually the ones with the cellulite bodies on the cover. Who is that actress who looks like a normal woman?? Enquiring minds want to know...)

I used to sneak in a little horoscope reading. No harm, right? I wasn't living by the stars, after all. Just a little fun indulgence. But then, I felt convicted by it. The Bible speaks expressly against such practices. (I don't read anything having to do with astrology anymore – I'm still tempted, but I stubbornly refuse – I'm a Taurus, after all…sorry, couldn't resist)

These two things aren't all that bad – but there are worse things out there. Sinful, ugly things that we can read and watch and look at – things that we can eat and drink – things we can think and feel and do – things we can buy…

There are a million ways that the enemy can get us to ingest something that has no business being in our lives. And we do…

Now some of these sins are hidden – they don't show up in X-rays – people looking at us from the outside can't see them. But, not every dangerous thing shows up on the outside persona we show to the world.

Some poison is in the heart.

What to do? The only thing we can do – to "be on the safe side."

We have to go the emergency room – to our knees in prayer – and let the Lord take care of us. We need to have Him help us…ahem…regurgitate.

Only by ridding ourselves of potentially harmful things can we be saved from terrible consequences. Now, the process isn't fun – confession, repentance, and discipline from the Lord can leave us feeling a little worn out.

But, before we know it, we'll be absolutely fine – good as new.

Marty's lesson?

Stay away from trash – it'll just get you into trouble!

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (Philippians 4:8)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SCRIPTURE INTERPLAY

"As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God."

"I will never fail you, I will never abandon you." (Hebrews 13:5)

"I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?"

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God." (Hebrews 4:16)

"Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, 'Where is this God of yours?'"

"I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love…indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

"My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be…"

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." (Psalms 34:18)

"I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!"

"Yet in the empty streets…there will be heard once more the sound of joy and laughter. The joyful voices…will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the LORD." (Jeremiah 33:10-11)

"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!"

"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last." (Job 19:25)

"Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you…"

"Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given...his chosen ones." (Psalms 105:5-6)

"I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me."

"Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it." (Song of Songs 8:7)

"But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life."

"The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

"'O God my rock,' I cry, 'Why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?' Their taunts break my bones. They scoff, 'Where is this God of yours?'"

"But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD'S victory. He is with you…" (2 Chronicles 20:17)

"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?"

"This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

(Joshua 1:9)

"I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!"

"But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

(Dialogue taken from Psalms 42, New Living Translation, c. 2007)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

GOD IS NOT SUBTLE

God is not subtle.

Let me explain what I mean.

Many of you know that every Friday I go with a ministry team to an assisted living facility for the elderly. We present a worship service for them.

It's difficult work sometimes – I find it tiring to prepare 10 minutes of sharing every week. What should I say? How do I make it relevant? Sometimes my mind is just dry.

The atmosphere is challenging. There are unique sights and smells. There is a P.A. system that regularly interrupts our time with announcements. There are beeping alarms, and whooshing oxygen tanks, scary coughs, and random mutterings – there's the ex-Marine who always blurts out, "I can’t hear you," and the clattering sounds of the kitchen next door.

Frankly, I often find myself in the car on Friday mornings feeling like I just can't go another time.

This has happened more than once. And each time, God has had someone say something extra, something different, something unusual to me – something that is so unmistakably from Him, that I can't leave this ministry.

But…I grow tired. I'm really burned out. I've been doing this for two years now.

And so, for several weeks, I've been praying hard about what to do. I've asked my friends for advice, talked to my husband and my sons about it, asked my mom. And mostly, I've tried – really tried – to beg God to give me a clear and firm answer if it's OK to quit.

Each time I even think about it, I feel guilty – because EVERYONE quits on these people. They are some of the most "forgotten" souls in this world that glorifies youth and worships beauty.

But…I grow tired. I'm really burned out.

So, about a week and a half ago, I had come to the conclusion that I was going to take the summer off. I didn't feel right about completely leaving – but I didn't think I could keep on going right now.

I just had one more Friday, and then I was going to tell our team that I needed to take some time off.

One more Friday – a Friday in which I had to lead the service because our regular leader was on vacation. One more Friday…

In fact, I told my husband that morning as I was leaving, "I'm going to take the summer off. This is my last week for a while."

Well…God is not subtle.

At the end of the service, I always make a point of going to each person and taking their hand and speaking with them a bit. Just to let them know that I was glad to see them. Actually, it's my favorite part of the whole time, to tell the truth.

So, I reach this one woman, who is new to the group - I take her hand, and she starts crying. She says, "I'm so sad."

I ask her what's wrong.

She so very quietly says, "I'm blind."

It's then that I notice – behind her darkly tinted glasses – two scarred and ugly slits where eyes should be. I tell her that she doesn't need eyes to see God. She can see Him with her heart. I promise her that one day He will give her eyes back to her, and that the first thing she'll see will be His face. She thanks me…

I make my way to more people.

Another new woman is there. As I take her hand she says to me, "I'm not a Christian." But then she proceeds to tell me how much she's enjoyed the service, and how loving and warm it was.

"You know, I wasn't going to come today, but I'm so glad that I did," she says with a smile.

I tell her that God wanted her there.

Now I hadn't known what to share that morning. So, I just "happened" (read God's intervention here, folks) to bring a tract with me – Billy Graham's Steps to Peace with God.

I give it to her. She was reading it when I left…and saying, "Oh wonderful - this is just wonderful!"

Can you see God here?

When I got back to the car, this was our conversation...

"Lord, I thought I could quit because there would be someone else there to speak."

"Yes, but it wouldn't be you. I want YOU there."

And then, in total honesty, I whispered, "But Lord, I don't want to go."

And He said, "I know – go anyway."

I smiled – and I just know that He was smiling, too.

He's not subtle – but I like Him that way…

What is the "go anyway" in your life?

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

PEACE OF GOD

Peace of God.

What do you think when you hear this phrase?

I think it sounds pretty. Like a gift all wrapped up in pretty paper with a pretty bow attached. It sounds simple…

But, for me, peace is anything but simple.

You see, I'm a worrier, a fretter, a "stew on things" person. I wrestle with life, always trying to get the upper hand. Yes, I love the imagery of resting in green meadows, and being led beside peaceful streams…

But more often than not, I find myself smack dab in the middle of a weed patch, next to a dry gulch!

Are you anything like me? (Please tell me I'm not alone…!)

Why is that?

I'm a believer, an ardent follower of Jesus – I should be experiencing the Peace of God.

So, why is it so elusive?

***To read more, please join me at Open My Ears, Lord hosted by Janis...

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - God Defines Success

I do not have a newspaper subscription.

It's too depressing.

However, every time I log onto AOL to get my emails, I am confronted with little *news bites* all over the page.

Snippets of what's happening in the world, in politics, in sports, in medicine, in entertainment…

I suppose it's a good thing to keep updated on things – but like I said before, I find it all a little depressing.

The human race is just so consumed with itself.

Fame, fortune, power…

These are the things that get people admired, envied, emulated –

But why?

These are not lasting things – they are things of the world. And all too often, people toss their values aside in pursuit of them.

The human race – not so different today as it was in the time of Jeremiah. Society was deteriorating economically, politically, and spiritually. Wars dominated the world scene. God's Word was deemed offensive.

Sound familiar?

God appointed Jeremiah to bring His word to "nations and kingdoms." It was Jeremiah's mission to warn all the nations of the world about God's judgment for sin. Because God looks at things in a different way…

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" is what God has to say:

"This is what the LORD says: 'Don't let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone; that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!'" (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

You see, God places a high priority on knowing Him personally. He values justice, righteousness, and love more than fame, fortune, and power.

God defines success in a different way than the world does. He considered Jeremiah a success – because he obeyed God faithfully. Regardless of opposition and personal cost, Jeremiah courageously proclaimed the word of God. He was obedient to his calling.

We, too, have a responsibility to bring God's Word to a fallen world – to tell others about the consequences of sin and the hope that God offers. We have a responsibility to live differently – to define ourselves by God's values and priorities.

We must press on to know Him more and more – to obey Him faithfully.

God's approval alone should be our standard for service – and our standard for success.

As far as I'm concerned, AOL can keep its headlines – for these are not the stories of people following hard after the LORD.

On the other hand, we have a calling, my friends – are you ready to answer?

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

"The New Testament abounds in convincing proofs of the power of prayer. Almost all the great events recorded in its sacred pages stand connected with prayer...

Having, thus, placed before the reader so many examples of the importance, the prominence, and the power of prayer; and also having furnished him with so many encouragements and exhortations to engage in this most hallowed exercise, we shall, now, close with a precious clause from the epistle of James, namely, 'let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.'

My God! is any hour so sweet,

From blush of morn to evening star,

As that which calls me to Thy feet -

The hour of prayer.

Blest is that tranquil hour of morn,

And blest that hour of solemn eve,

When, on the wings of faith up-borne,

The world I leave.

For then a day-spring shines on me,

Brighter than morn's ethereal glow;

And richer dews descend from Thee

Than earth can know.

Lord, till I reach that blissful shore,

No privilege so dear shall be,

As thus my inmost soul to pour,

In prayer to Thee."

(From "Things Old and New" by Anonymous, c. 1859)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Jealous

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: jealous

Have you ever felt jealous?

What damage can jealous feelings wreak on relationships?

What does it mean that we have a jealous God?

Let me know what you think!!

"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

DRAGON SCALES

Last week, I started a post with these words:

I am pale.

This week, I'm starting with these words:

I am peeling.

Yes, I am a topographical map of various colors right now – brown, white, and pink. My upper chest and arms look like they have a serious case of dandruff that got lost. I'm a mess.

The pain has subsided – only to be replaced by an incessant itching. And trust me, a woman scratching her upper chest in public can get you some pretty odd looks...

Beyond the physical ramifications of trying to get that "healthy tan" two weeks ago, there's the lovely little voice in my head I have to listen to – (how come our inner voices have to be such nags, anyway??)

"You're so dumb. You should have known you were going to get burned."

"Heard of that new invention – sunscreen?"

"You always think you know better, don't you?"

"You're probably going to get skin cancer now."

Inner voice is a tyrant sometimes.

So, I've been itching and scratching and flaking and peeling.

It just never seems to stop.

But, of course, God provided a wonderful lesson in all of this. (He's not a nag, by the way – but He's pretty persistent!)

I was reminded of a scene in the book, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" – from the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. (Some of you might have seen the recent movie…)

In it, a very selfish, unpleasant boy – hey, let's call it like it is – he's a brat – named Eustace finds himself separated from his shipmates on a lonely island. He discovers a dying dragon – who just happens to have a treasure horde of priceless riches.

Eustace decides to make the treasure his own – once the dragon dies, of course!

Reveling in his pride and selfishness, Eustace finally falls asleep – only to awake with an excruciating pain in his arm. You see, that's because Eustace has fallen asleep with a human-sized bracelet that now tightly encircles a dragon-sized arm.

Yes, Eustace has turned into a dragon.

He tries numerous times to scratch off the scales of his "dragon-ness" – and they do start to fall to the ground. But every time, when he finally stops, he realizes the awful truth – he's still a dragon. Finally, he encounters Aslan, the Great Lion, and realizes he needs help:

"Then the lion said – but I don't know if it spoke – You will have to let me undress you. I was afraid of his claws, I can tell you, but I was pretty nearly desperate now. So I just lay flat down on my back to let him do it.

The very first tear he made was so deep and I thought it had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I've ever felt. The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling the stuff peel off…

And there was I as smooth and soft as a peeled switch and smaller than I had been. Then he caught hold of me – I didn't like that much for I was very tender underneath now that I'd no skin on – and threw me into the water. It smarted like anything but only for a moment. After that it became perfectly delicious and as soon as I started swimming and splashing I found that all the pain had gone from my arm. And then I saw why. I'd turned into a boy again."

Yes, while I was frantically scratching at my own peeling "scales," I realized that I was indeed helpless to remove the scales from my heart.

Do you ever feel encrusted by life?

Well, I certainly do.

And yes, I want those scales removed.

But only One can do that – and it's going to hurt. It's going to cut deep. But oh, won't it be worth it to be a child again?

I'm laying down for the Lord to do His work – will you join me?

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

WEDNESDAY WALKABOUT

Wednesday Walkabout.

I love this title that my friend, Debbie, gave to my Wednesday Bible musings!

Today I'm sitting down with Jesus, and He and I are going to have a little dialogue:

"Sharon, can I talk to you about worry today?"

(Inner "Oh no…") "Sure, Lord."

"You either store your treasures with the Father, and serve Him alone, or you do not serve Him at all."

(Inner sigh…) "Yes, you're so right, Lord."

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life…Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?"

"Yes, it is."

"Look at the birds." Just at that moment, a tiny sparrow lands on Jesus' hand. "They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them."

Jesus hands the small bird a piece of bread, and it flies off happily.

"Aren't you far more valuable to Him than they are?"

"Yes, Lord, I am. Because You died for me…"

Jesus smiles – and I look at His hands.

"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

"No, but those worries can sure steal moments from my life."

Jesus' smile gets bigger. He stoops over and picks a dandelion.

"If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"

A thousand excuses come to my mind – because it's a tough and scary life down here, Lord – because there's a lot of suffering and struggling – because I never know what's coming next – because I can't control a thing…

I remain silent and bow my head.

"Sharon, don't worry about these things. These are things that dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs."

I look up at Him.

"He does, doesn’t He?! He always watches over me. He never takes His eyes off of me, and I am never out of His presence."

Jesus grins. "No, you never are!"

Now I smile.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."

"Yes, Lord – everything I really need - which isn't always what I think I want!"

"You're a quick learner," Jesus says with a wink. "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. And do not be afraid. For I have overcome the world."

(Inner sigh)…of relief and joy and peace!

(Based on Matthew, Chapter 6, New Living Translation)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

I JUST SPEAK TO ME

I just speak to me.

OK, before any of you get yourselves *all worked up* and think that I've turned into some selfish old woman – hear me out.

Two weeks ago I was talking with my friend at the lake – (she would be the one who did NOT get sunburned – just sayin'). We were talking about writing, and how it all comes about. I was explaining how my blog posts unfold – how sometimes I won't have an idea until the night before – and how other times the ideas seem to rush out before I can write them down, and I'll do 4 or 5 in one sitting.

And then I said without thinking…

"I just speak to me."

We laughed – because it sorta came out sounding Italian – and because it sounded unbelievably self-centered.

But of course, I didn't mean it that way – (Selfish, no. Italian, maybe…)

It's been almost a year since I started this blog – and as I take a good look back, I've realized something. It really has been an online journal in a way. A way to capture what I'm feeling, what I'm dealing with, what I'm celebrating, what I'm struggling with –

Writing for me is an interesting circle. I so often sit down and start writing what God is saying to me, or what I want Him to say to me. And then, in the writing, He begins to unfold the words that He wants me to hear.

I'm like a sluice box from the Gold Rush era. The Living Water rushes through me – and lo and behold, afterwards there are some gold nuggets that God leaves behind!

I think the most honest writing is writing that starts in the heart.

And that's what I mean when I say – I just speak to me.

My heart – it's the only place where God and I meet for intimate dialogue. Sometimes I speak, and He does all the listening. Sometimes I remain quiet, and so does He. But sometimes, He does all the talking – and that is precious conversation indeed.

Now, of course, God is a generous Father. And when I write, His words also go out to others. And He gives me the privilege of being blessed by knowing that others have been blessed by His work in and through me.

I hope this all makes sense.

I hope you all know how very much I am blessed by the gold nuggets God leaves in your hearts – how very blessed I am by the words that He speaks through you – how very blessed I am when I read and receive them.

The Body of Christ – actually, it's all like a big circle, isn't it?

His blessings to us, through us, on to others – and back to Him in grateful praise.

May the circle remain unbroken…

Oh Lord, I thank you that when "I just speak to me" – it's really You speaking to me. I thank you for the joy of hearing Your Voice, and for the privilege of being able to share with others what You say. Thank you, Lord, for the many people who bless me with the words You speak to them. It's a wonder – the way that You work in the Body of Christ. Lord, continue to talk to our hearts – and give us the desire and the patience and the humility to listen to the still, small voice…"

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

DEVOTIONAL TUG-OF-WAR

I have a love/hate relationship with my daily devotionals.

OK, not a hate thing exactly – but hear me out.

I love how God so often speaks a word to me – just when I need to hear it.

I "hate" how God so often speaks a word to me – just when I need to hear it (but might not want to!)

Let me give you an example.

The other day, I was writing a post about the peace of God. I wanted to see if it flowed – so I read it out loud to my youngest son. At the end He was really quiet. (Was it that horrible, I thought to my "glass half-empty" self?)

Finally he said, "Mom, you know that leather devotional book you gave me with the leaves on the front?"

"Yeah, I remember that."

"Do you have a copy?"

"Yes, I do."

"Go check out June 4th."

So I did. It was all about the peace of God – and it had used the exact same verses that I had placed in my post. Words and verses that both my son and I really needed to hear on that particular day.

I whispered to him, "God is really awesome, isn't He?"

That's a *love my devotions* moment.

And those moments happen all the time, don't they? When a particular passage of Scripture just seems to leap out at you. When a particular message in church, or a lesson from Bible Study, is just so perfectly appropriate to where you're at – it's like God spoke out just to you…

Of course, there's the other side.

Let me give you an example of that.

I had a day last week that was full of aggravations. Dealing with frustrating family issues, and cantankerous people, and irritating phone calls – I was quite honestly just annoyed with everything and everyone. I was not feeling holy and patient. I was sick and tired of being responsible and conscientious and kind…

I wanted to be selfish – I wanted to be left alone.

That's how I went to sleep that night – in a mood. The next morning when I woke up, I wasn't feeling any different – (unless you call being even more annoyed and entrenched in my crummy attitude "different"…)

But, I went to do my devotions.

Here's how they began:

"Some people annoy us. They interrupt us when we're trying to concentrate, ignore us when we need their help, or give us unwanted advice. Sometimes, the best we can do is tolerate them. Tolerating people, however, isn't loving them, and God has set a high standard for us in relationships – especially in the family of God…"

Can you see God's timely irony?

I looked up at the ceiling, and said with a sigh –

"God, will You just leave me alone?"

(Sometimes I'm just not in the mood to be convicted, you know??)

But He answered me, just as clear as if He had spoken it aloud –

"No, I love you too much."

So, you see, I love my devotions when they're a timely word of encouragement, or comfort, or inspiration, or peace.

And though I might "hate" my devotions when they convict me, or challenge me, or discipline me – I actually love those, too.

For in it all, God is speaking – sometimes in a way that's just so perfectly appropriate to where I'm at – it's like God spoke out just to me.

And praise His name – He never leaves me alone…

No, He loves me too much for that!

(Today I'm linked with Wendy at Faith's Firm Foundation)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"