MARTY - OFFICE BEAGLE

My sons own their own business.

They work in their own office.

This brings certain pressures and stress to their lives – indeed.  But, it also affords certain privileges.

Like bringing your dog to work – every day.

Did you know that there is an official "Take Your Dog to Work Day"?  Yup, it started in 1999 in the United States.

I think it's a great idea – though I'm thinking it's a lot more practical in some occupations than others.  Some less-than-ideal scenarios:

At the nail salon – "Rover, stop licking her toes!"

At the library – "Skippy, use your INSIDE voice."

At the baseball park – "No, Spot, NO!  Don't go after that fly ball.  Spot…Spot...oh no."

At the local restaurant – "Yes sir, I'll get you another order of bacon.  By the way, have you seen Bowser?"

At the dentist's office – "Open wide.  Oh, Fido, stop sniffing her canine teeth."


But, at my sons' office, Marty is an asset.

He makes a great receptionist.  His greeting skills are excellent.  Most times when I pull into the parking space in front of the office, I can see a small beagle head waiting at the front door.  Though I can't see the wagging tail, I know it's wagging.  The wiggly head gives it away.

And if the little happy face isn't waiting at the door, it pokes around the corner as soon as I step into the office.

He is a living, breathing, furry welcome mat.

Marty is also very good at keeping up office morale.

Marty makes sure that he visits everyone throughout the day.  Sometimes he's lounging on his dog bed, sometimes he's stretched out on the couch.

But, he's an equal-opportunity visitor.  

Another thing that Marty excels at is ball retrieval.  My sons have a miniature ping-pong table at the office.  Good for coffee breaks.  And any errant ping is immediately ponged by one eager beagle.

Marty is also trying out for the Annual Office Calendar – and spends part of the afternoon posing in various positions in the small patch of sunlight that hits the carpet every day.  He's got to be careful though – tender pink beagle skin can get sunburned!!

So, being Office Beagle is quite a treat for Marty, and I dare say it's fun for my sons, too.

When I'm in town, I like to spend some time at the office.  I'll work on my blog, or I'll read – (most often I'm enlisted to bring in lunch!)  And I enjoy just *hanging out* with the entrepreneurs.

But, yes, it also gives me some precious time with my grandbeagle – who snuggles up next to me.

I got to thinking about this – because I'm always looking for what lessons Marty has to teach me about God.

And in this situation, I learned a few things.


First of all, it's a real privilege to be able to go to the office.

Just like it's a real treat for us to be invited into the throne room!

Yes, friends, we are told by the King of the Universe to "Come on in!" Do we lose sight of how wonderful this is?  I know I do.  I forget that my prayers are an awesome privilege.  I am speaking to the Almighty God, after all.  Who encourages me to talk to Him!

We must never forget that the Lord Himself asks us to come into His workplace.  He includes us in His purposes. 

This is a wonder indeed.


I think of Marty's eager welcome.  Do I approach my day that way?  Do I treat other people that way?

How often do I view people as interruptions to my day?  But, those random meetings or conversations are not to be taken lightly.  We must hold our schedules loosely, for God has ways of bringing His assignments into our lives in the most unexpected – and sometimes untimely – ways.

We should greet them eagerly.


How about that issue of morale?

Am I a positive influence on the people I meet?  What about the people that I know – the ones that I live my life with?  Am I an encourager, or do I bring them down?

I am chagrined at how often I fall into complaining, or into doomsday worrying.  And all too often, I "share the wealth."  I spread my bad mood, or fretful spirit all over everyone I come in contact with.  I wear my feelings on my sleeve, yes.  But I also seem determined to have everyone look at, and smell, and touch, and put on my sleeves.

Sigh.

I don't think I boost *office morale* at all sometimes.

Marty has a way of sensing who needs his presence.  And in his quiet beagle way, he brings peace and joy wherever he goes.

I need to be mindful that I do the same.


So, once again, Marty teaches me lessons.

He allows me to see the beauty of his heart – and shows me how I should behave as a believer.

Grateful for the invitation to the throne room of God.  Listened to, and included in His grand scheme of redemption.

Cheerful and eager to meet and greet those I come in contact with. Even if it means interruptions to "my" day.

Quietly and peacefully bringing encouragement to the people I know. Being there when someone needs me.  Spending time with them, just hanging out.


And Marty shows me that work doesn't have to be drudgery, not when you're a friend of God.

Every day, I think I should wake up with this thought:


"Today, I get to go to the office with The Boss!!"

It's A Dog's Life

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." 
(Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

"Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (Colossians 3:23, NLT, 1996 version)

"Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT)

"'And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.'" (Matthew 10:42, NLT)

"[God] will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do." 
(Hebrews 6:10, NLT)


What does it mean to you to be a worker for the Lord?


(Note: The above photo of Marty was NOT posed!  He cracks me up!!)


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Shari at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Gail at TGIF
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Patricia at STILL SATURDAY
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Rescue

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 question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: rescue

How would you define the word rescue?

How did God rescue you, personally, from temptation or illness or fear or a desperate situation (or any other circumstance that occurred in your life)?

Take a moment and ponder what it really took for God to rescue us.  How might you show Him your gratitude today?


Let me know what you think!!


(There were so many great verses about *rescue* that I had trouble choosing!!)


"'They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 1:19, NIV)

"'Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the LORD, have spoken!'" (Jeremiah 39:18, NLT)

"'Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.'" (Isaiah 46:4, NIV)

"Rescue those who are being taken away to death..." (Proverbs 24:11, ESV)

"Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters..." (Psalm 144:7, NIV)

"In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me." (Psalm 71:2, NIV)

"And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13, NLT)

"And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us." 

(2 Corinthians 1:10, NLT)

"Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live." (Galatians 1:4, NLT)

"Giving thanks to the Father who did make us meet for the participation of the inheritance of the saints in the light, who did rescue us out of the authority of the darkness, and did translate [us] into the reign of the Son of His love..." (Colossians 1:12-13, YLT)

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." 

(2 Timothy 4:18, NIV)

DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


You are the apple of God's eye.  God will...answer your cries of distress; He is bending down, compassionate and interested in your prayer.  Believe in your heart that God will use His power to protect you.  When you look to God with expectation, you receive the protection you so desperately seek...God is willing and able to protect you faithfully.  He is the only One who can truly shield and protect you, so lay your cares at His feet.


*Hide me in the shadow of Your wings.


(Devotional from: "Grace for Each Moment" Compiled by Kylie Munger from devotionals by Solly Ozrovech, c. 2008, Christian Art Gifts, RSA)


"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!"

WATER DAMAGE

Sometimes really bad things can happen to really good people.  

But sometimes, really stupid things can happen to halfway decent people.

Case in point.

So, I'm up in the middle of the night last night.  This time the insomnia was the *I-fell-asleep-just-fine-but-woke-up-and-couldn't-go-back-to-sleep* kind. I lay there pondering the imponderables, and then I decided that maybe if I ate something I'd get sleepy.

Seems to work just fine at Thanksgiving.

So, I got up to fix a bowl of Cream of Wheat.  Don't ask me why that appealed.  Perhaps a warm bowl of grain product sounded sleep-inducing. (No milk in the house).

I was just bringing the bowl over to the coffee table, just setting it down on the coffee table…in the dark…when the "dumbs" hit.  I knocked over a FULL and LARGE cup of lemon water.  It was one of those plastic protein drink cups with a *drinkee spout thing*.

I could hear the liquid gurgling out…fast.

Quickly turning on the light, I was chagrined to see a huge puddle of water spreading on the carpet.  But, more than that, I was horrified to see the other place the water was going.

Directly into my little plastic tote, full of my devotional books.

Yes, the ones that I’ve been studying all year.

The ones that I guard with my life.  The ones that are NOT dog-eared, NOT written in or highlighted, NOT bent, NOT spine-cracked.  The ones that are as pristine as the day I bought them.

I take pretty good care of my books.  Good *librarian* care.

I could have cried.

I would have if I had not had to race to the kitchen to retrieve the entire roll of paper towels to start my cleanup.

I started with the devotionals.

What a mess.

Pages were now water-warped and crinkled.  I fanned the pages to make sure that none were sticking together.  I laid them out as carefully as I could to let them dry out overnight.  

I tackled the carpet last.

When I finally sat down to eat my Cream of Wheat, it was cold.  I didn't have the energy to re-heat it, so I ate it like Goldilocks with Mama Bear's bowl of porridge.

Thinking to myself.

Thinking how a dumb move can ruin a lot of things…fast.

Thinking how stupid mistakes can set a domino effect of consequences into motion.


Sin can be like that.

It can be hugely evil, yes.  Ugly and awful.  But sometimes it can be just plain stupid.

We humans are prone to acting without thinking, leaping without looking.  We are prone to pleasing ourselves without pondering the aftermath.

Mistakes can make a mess.  They can create sticky situations.

Fortunately, that is what forgiveness is all about.

Cleaning up the mess.


I'm thinking about last night.  And I'm thinking how my careless mistake created a mess I needed to clean up.  But also, my mistake damaged my devotionals.

Just like life.  

Sinful mistakes, dumb sinful mistakes, can tarnish the Holy Spirit within us.  They can thwart God's purposes.  They can ruin things.  And though the mess can be cleaned up, the aftermath lingers on.

But God is all about the aftermath.

He is the only One who can forgive our sins, ease guilt, restore relationships, rectify mistakes, conquer consequences, and clean up the mess.

I'm eternally grateful He does.


Yes, my devotionals will always be *damaged* now.  But they are still filled with words telling me about the wonders of God.

Dumb choices can leave some damage.  But we can still be filled with words to tell about the wonders of God. 

Friends, our stories may have left us with scars – but our scars are our story.

And God wants us to tell our stories.

Because He wants us to tell people about His ending.  The *happily-ever-after* ending where we are forgiven and redeemed.


Dumb and stupid sin happens.

Messy life occurs.

But thank the Lord, we have Someone who will rescue us from ourselves.  We have Someone who will clean us up with forgiveness. We have Someone who died for us so we'd never have to face the aftermath of the afterlife.


We have a Savior.

"Lord, please hand me some paper towels."

He reached down from heaven and rescued me...
...he drew me out of deep waters. 

"'Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.'" (John 7:38, NIV)

"'But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.'" 
(John 4:14, NLT)

"And he also said, 'It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega--the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.'" (Revelation 21:6, NLT)

"Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb." (Revelation 22:1, NLT)



How has God cleaned up a *messy mistake* in your life?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Jen at UNITE
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Shari at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Gail at TGIF
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Generous

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 question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: generous

How would you define the word generous?

What is the hardest thing for you to be generous with - your time, your money, or your possessions?  Why?

How might we become more generous - and how does God promise to reward us?


Let me know what you think!!


"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." (1 Timothy 6:18, NIV)

"The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers." (Psalm 37:21, NLT)

"Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor." 
(Proverbs 22:9, NLT)

"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and...your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.." 
(2 Corinthians 9:11, NIV)



DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


(Re: The Parable of the Good Samaritan)

Jesus tells a story about another way in which his followers will live out his life...Love for God can't be an ethereal commitment of the head.  Rather, it must impact the daily, moment-by-moment decisions a person makes...a person yielded to him will expend his or her strength in loving God actively. Heart, soul, mind, and strength devoted to God will translate into a real, living love for our neighbors.


*You are a link to the divine, a minister of God.  The Presence within you mandates it.


(Devotional from: "Meet the Bible" by Philip Yancey and Brenda Quinn, c. 2000, Zondervan Publishers)


"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!"

BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE A DIME?

So, a few weeks ago, I was driving around minding my own business, running a few errands.

After stopping at the bank, I was heading back to my car when I noticed a person holding a sign at the entrance to the parking lot.

Yes, one of those very sad souls.

You know, my husband and I always make an effort to help people who are asking for money.  Yes, we've heard all the arguments about what they might do with the money.  But we aren't concerned.  We want those people to know that someone saw them and cared, and we want them to know that they are never forgotten by The One.

So, I start reaching for my wallet.

And then it happened.

I heard a still, small voice say to me, "Give him $20."

WHAT?!?!

I NEVER give that much.  NEVER.  And so, I'm thinking maybe I just heard wrong.

But no, the Voice spoke again.

"Give him $20."

Well, it was hard to argue.  I thought of excuses.  My last one was my best – "I don't have a twenty-dollar bill."  But of course, I did – I had just walked out of the bank.   

At last, I reached my car and got in.

And then I whispered the truth, "Lord, I don't want to give him $20.  That's a lot of money."

He answered, "Do it anyway."

So, with a big sigh, and a begrudging heart, I got out of the car and made my way to the homeless man.

I handed him the money and said, "The Lord told me that you needed this today.  I hope it blesses you."

And then I waited.

I waited for his effusively grateful response.  I waited to be told what a kind and generous stranger I was.  I waited to be applauded for being so unselfish.

I waited.

He did sorta mumble, "Thank you."  But that was pretty much it.  I sorta muttered and grumbled all the way back to the car.  Truthfully, my inner dialogue went something like this:

"Well, I hope you're happy, Lord.  I did what you wanted.  And it wasn't even appreciated."

Nice, huh?

Well, as the day went on, I did feel better about the whole thing.  I had listened to the inner prompting of my heart.  I had obeyed the compelling of the Spirit.  And even though my *aftermath* reaction wasn't perfect, I had acted.

At the time this happened, I was in town visiting with family, so I was out and about for several days.

So, it figures that a day or two later I see the SAME guy in the SAME place, still asking for money.

OK, so now all sorts of evil thoughts start running through my head.

"Boy, Sharon, you sure got taken.  That guy's probably a professional beggar, making tons of money each day.  Look at him working that corner."

I'm also not really thinking great things about God making me do such a stupid thing.

But, again, He spoke to me.

"Sharon, you're completely missing the point here.  You giving that money away had nothing to do with the homeless man."

Huh?

"The whole thing was about you.  Were you willing to do what I asked you to do, even if it didn't make sense, even if it hurt a little bit?"

About me?

"Yes, about YOU.  And you know what?  You obeyed.  Well done, faithful servant."

Faithful, muttering servant, I said to myself.

But He just smiled.


I ponder this.

How often do we encounter situations like this?   Situations that test our listening skills, and stretch our obedience muscles.  

How often does God seek to take our discipleship temperature?

I'm sure you can think of at least one time when God called you to do something that you didn't want to do.  Something that didn't make sense, something that hurt a little bit...or a lot.

What did you do?

You see, sometimes the situation isn't what it seems.  It's so much more. For instance, my test wasn't about generous giving.  It was really about my WILLINGNESS to obey.

Not the money, but the motive.

I think if we really turn our ears to listening, we'll hear God quite often during the day.  And I think He'll really be asking this, no matter what the particular situation is:

"Are you willing to do what I ask?"

Obedience isn't convenient – it isn't always rewarded either.  At least not always in a way that we can see.

I wanted praise from the homeless man – but I really got nothing.

But trust me, my act did NOT go unnoticed.  I was observed by The One.  And I know that He will reward me.

Now, every time I drive down this particular street, I still see the same guy. It's been well over a month since I gave him my money.  Yeah, I still feel a little bit of cynicism over the whole thing.  But that quickly dissipated the other day when I had this thought – I wonder if that guy's an angel?  What if he's just standing there day after day, offering tests to God's servants? Giving us opportunities to listen and obey?

I wonder.

And so, I'm practicing listening to God, even if I don't always like what He has to say!  And I'm praying for the grace and courage to act on what He says, especially if I don't like what He has to say! 

God spoke to Jonah, and he ran the other way.  And then there was a lot of messy stuff involving a storm and a fish.  FINALLY, Jonah obeyed.


But, I'm thinking…

What if we got it right the first time?

What if we chose obedience in the very beginning?

What could God do in us and through us if we acted on the Voice we hear?


I want to find out!!

Don’t you?!

To obey or not to obey,
that is the question. 

"And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." (Matthew 10:42, NLT)

"You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35, NLT)

"But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.'" (Jeremiah 7:23, NASB)


When was the last time the Holy Spirit compelled you to do something?  Did you do it?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Jen at UNITE
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Shari at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Gail at TGIF
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY- Refuge

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 question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: refuge

How would you define the word refuge?

What are the things in your life that you need refuge from?

How does the Lord provide refuge from the storms of life?

In what ways can we take refuge in Him?


Let me know what you think!!


"...The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.  He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.  He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me...I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies." 
(2 Samuel 22:2-4, NLT)

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." (Psalm 5:11, NIV)

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2, NIV)

"The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him." (Nahum 1:7, NLT)

"There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain." (Isaiah 4:6, NASB)


(***Look up the word refuge in a concordance - there are SO many wonderful and encouraging words in Scripture that talk about the awesome refuge we find in the Lord!***)



DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


Even though we are encouraged to call on God throughout Scripture, the average person looks for human solutions first, rather than considering God's loving attention.  Over and over He promises His assistance and grace to those who call on Him in their time of need.  Regardless of what the crisis in your life may be, lay your problem before Him in trust...


*Give me your peace so that I can see things from Your perspective and make the right decisions.


"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)


(Devotional from: "Grace for Each Moment" Compiled by Kylie Munger from devotionals by Solly Ozrovech, c. 2008, Christian Art Gifts, RSA)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

NOAH'S FLOOD - 2013

OK, so call me Noah.

Let me tell you, we have had some *WEATHER* this past week up on the mountain!

They say that California has four seasons:

Fire, flood, earthquake, and drought.

Well, we have had all four "seasons" already this year.  I'm fully expecting a 5th season later this year - blizzard.

Yup, this has been a wild week.  I began the week lulled into complacency, waking up Monday morning to beautiful blue skies and very hot weather.  Ah, but Mother Nature is a fickle woman – and by noon a storm had rolled in over the mountaintops, complete with pouring rain.  This little exhibition was also accompanied by a symphony of thunder and lightning.

Tuesday we had a hailstorm.  Thursday, "The Hub" saw a bolt of lightning streak down out of the sky into the ravine right behind our neighbor's house.

One day I had to go into town, forgot my umbrella, and got SOAKED in a mad minute-long dash to the ATM machine.  (The irony is that I was wearing shorts and sandals because it was still a hot day!)

You can't believe how quickly a 15-minute downpour can turn our streets into rivers.  Eddie the Explorer has had fun pretending he's a pontoon boat. Sharon has not had as much fun pretending she's a pontoon boat captain.

The truly weird thing is that by dinnertime, the sky has cleared up again.

Gotta admit, it's been pretty exciting.

I happen to like thunder and lightning (maybe because my mom used to tell me that it was just God moving His furniture around...would that make lightning God fixing the electricity?!) - and rain when I can stay indoors.

But I have had mixed feelings this week, because we are also trying to get the outside of our house painted!  Several months ago, we planned to have the work done this week.  What is that old joke?  If you want to see God laugh, make plans. 

I hear Him chuckling.

Luckily, we have a hard-working painter, and he's been showing up earlier every day to get as much done as possible before we re-enact portions of Genesis, chapters 6 and 7.

Sigh.


But, of course, I have pondered this rather unusual week in light of my walk of faith.

And I am thinking about this...

Isn't life just like this - one sudden storm after another?

And aren't we caught off guard most of the time?


I'm thinking about old Noah.  I'm sure he had many years of heckling from the land-lovin' crowd.

"Hey Noah, I don't see any clouds in the sky at all.  But hey, it's a nice boat you're building there.  Let me know when you're done, ha ha - we'll go for a harbor cruise."

"Uh, Noah, the homeowner's association met and we voted that the ark should be dismantled.  It's in violation of the CC & R's, you know."

"Yup, nice Man Cave project there, Noah buddy.  But it's kinda an eyesore in the neighborhood, just sayin'."

No one saw clouds, no one was ready when the storm hit.

I'm not ready when the storms hit in my life.

Are you?

I often feel like those disciples sitting in a boat on a placid Sea of Galilee. The Bible says that the squall came up unexpectedly.  

"Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat." (Mark 8:24, NLT)

Life is like this – blue skies, and then gathering clouds, thunder and lightning, drenching rain – a hailstorm once in a while too?

Case in point…

I'm down for *my shift* taking care of my parents.  On Sunday I went with my family to the LA Kings Hockey Fan Day.  It was a long, long tiring day – but great fun!  (I love hockey season!)

When I returned, I went in to check in on my parents.

And found my dad, sitting on the floor next to the couch, and my mom trying to pull him up to his feet.

Adrenaline rush…

"What's going on?  Dad, did you fall again?"

Well, yes.  He did.  Fortunately, it was an "easy" fall, and he didn't get hurt.  I got him situated in his recliner again, consoled my mom, and made sure everyone was calmed down.

But, I was reminded how quickly life could take an unexpected turn.

I am often unmoored by my lack of control in life.  If I'm totally honest, I like control.  I enjoy being the boss of things.  I think it would be a lot easier if I ran the show, directed the players, and took the bow at the end as the Queen of Everything.

I think that – but I know better.

And so does God.

So sometimes God needs to move the furniture around.  Sometimes He needs to fix the electricity.  And sometimes we are deluged with drenching rain and pounded by hail.

Yup, sometimes He allows blue skies to suddenly change into stormy weather.

No, He isn't mean – He's just the King.

Of everything.

This past week I was reminded of that indisputable fact.  Storms are inevitable in life.  And most often, we are unprepared for them.

But God knows.

And He promises that if we trust in Him, we will NOT be shaken by foul weather.

"'Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.  Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.'"  (Matthew 7:24-25, NLT)


Hand me an umbrella, Noah.

Raindrops keep falling on my head...

"'When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.'"  (Isaiah 43:2, NLT) 

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  
(Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV)

What unexpected *downpour* has overwhelmed you lately, and how is God helping you through it?

Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Jen at UNITE
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Work

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 question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: work

How would you define work?

What work do you consider tedious, and what work is enjoyable?

What work do you think you are called to do for the Lord?

Do you think He rewards our work?  How?


Let me know what you think!!



"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
(Hebrews 6:10, NIV)

"This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers." 
(1 Timothy 4:10, NLT)

"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." (John 6:27, NIV)

"Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" (Psalm 90:17, ESV)



DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


(From the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Parable of the Talents)

Whether this parable (the ten virgins) speaks to the Jews or to all people, it stands as an awesome reminder that a day will come for all when Jesus calls believers to eternity with him...Some like to believe that they have ample time to get their spiritual lives in order, but they risk being caught off guard...
In a similar vein, the parable of the talents teaches believers that God holds us responsible for the work he has given us until Jesus' return.  The kingdom of God is real, Jesus stresses.


*What is the work of preparation or kingdom building that God has given you to do?



"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead...Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds...Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did...As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."  (From James 2:14-25, NIV)



"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)


(Devotional from: "Meet the Bible" by Philip Yancey and Brenda Quinn, c. 2000, Zondervan Publishers)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

LABOR "OF LOVE" DAY

What do you think about when you hear the word labor?

If you're female, and you've had kids, your mind probably goes to those fun moments leading up to birth.

Others might think about work – and labor means hard work by definition – (physical or mental exertion, especially when difficult or exhausting).  Synonyms include toil, exertion, drudgery, effort.

No matter what, the word labor doesn't seem to conjure up the *fun stuff*, does it?  

So, today is Labor Day.

According to Wikipedia, "Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September, that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.  It was first nationally recognized in 1894 to placate unionists following the Pullman Strike (a nationwide railroad strike)."

OK, that makes sense.

But this was the extra part that I loved:

"With the decline in union membership, the holiday is generally viewed as a time for barbeques and the end of summer vacations."

Sounds so **American** huh???  

Mom, apple pie, and barbeque!!  ☺

So, I hope that most of you are not experiencing labor pains or working too hard on this Labor Day 2013.  I hope you're relaxing, having fun, eating too much, and enjoying some fun in the sun.

That's what I'm going to be doing.


But…

Might you just take a few moments and consider this?

What does the Bible say about labor?

Well, it says quite a bit actually.  But I'd like to focus on three things.


First, when we work, we should work hard.

We should look at whatever *work* we do as something that we are really doing for the Lord.  We should treat it as a mission, a calling, a God-ordained purpose.  Whatever we do, whether we work in or outside the home, I think He wants us to be industrious.

And, we should be conscious of setting a good example for the "cloud of witnesses" that watches what we do as believers.  To be honest, I don't wake up every morning remembering that I am an ambassador for Christ.  But I think I should.

So, let's represent our heavenly home well, and be diligent agents for the cause of our King.


"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…" (Colossians 3:23, NIV)

"For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.  For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.  Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living…" (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, ESV)

(I just picked two verses – there are countless others applauding the necessity and virtue of hard work)


Second, no task is considered small in the Kingdom of God.

Oh, how we humans love to compare and contrast.  It seems we rarely ever do anything just for the inherent value of the work itself.  We're continually looking at the "other guy."

Even the disciples were prone to this cursed game.  

Remember this?

"About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?'" (Matthew 18:1, NLT)

Or this?

"Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. 'Teacher,' they said, 'we want you to do us a favor.'
'What is your request?' he asked.
They replied, 'When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.'" 
(Mark 10:35-37, NLT)


Ouch.

Frankly, I'd be embarrassed for James and John if I hadn't asked the Lord my own version of those questions a time or two (or hundred).

Sometimes I get discouraged thinking that I'm not doing enough.  Some of it is motivated by a true desire to serve God.  But often, I’m driven by the compare/contrast trap.  And, if I'm completely honest, I often want to do bigger things because I want to be more noticed.

Ah, the quicksand of seeking the approval of men.

But God does not look at work in this way.  

In fact, He turned it all upside down when He said this:

"But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then." 
(Matthew 19:30, NLT)

God looks at what we do through His eyes, His perspective, His purposes. Not a one of us is useless or extraneous to the important work of the Kingdom.

I once blogged about being a big toe in the Body of Christ (here).  I think it's good to remember that ALL of us contribute, and NOTHING is ever too small if done in the name of the Lord, for HIS glory!


"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 
(1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…" (Zechariah 4:10, NLT)


Finally, we will be rewarded for our work.

You know, sometimes I feel guilty when I receive compliments. Why? Because I get this inner thrill inside of me.

I've struggled for many years over this issue.

Is it wrong to be glad when someone recognizes our work and applauds it?

I have suffered terrible angst over the happiness I feel when I am able to connect to someone through either my written or spoken words.  I judge that I am feeling this way only because I'm taking credit for it.

After all, I've been taught all my life that we should not boast except in the Lord Jesus.

So, in sort of a reverse *un-pride* I've dismissed people's reactions and remarks.  I've pushed aside those good feelings I get.  I've squelched the boost to my self-esteem, as I've labeled this response as egotistical.

But, in the end, it seems that all I've really accomplished is getting myself very, very discouraged.

Yup, in an effort to be a good "Christian," all I've succeeded in doing is giving the enemy a mighty stranglehold on my heart.

Think bushel – hiding my light under a bushel.

That's not right either.


So…

I've actually concluded these three things:

1) The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit gives us gifts, and we are told to 
USE them.

2) When we use our gifts for the Lord's sake, and for the sake of His body of believers, and for the advancement of His Kingdom, we will feel JOY.

3) Part of our mission as His disciples is to SHINE.


In an unbelievable act of grace, God also promises us rewards.  He knows how He made us.  He knows we need to feel a sense of accomplishment.  He knows it's important to be recognized and shown approved.

And you know what?

He really likes giving pats on the back!

It's OK to work for a reward.  It's part of our inheritance, it's part of God's promise to us, it's part of what we were made for.

I personally think I'm going to look pretty good in a crown…just sayin'!!


"Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." (Colossians 3:24, NLT)

"His lord said unto him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.'" (Matthew 25:23, KJV)


So, on this Labor Day, may we look at *work* in Biblical terms – considering all we do as a labor of love.

Let's work hard.

Let's always remember that no work is too small.

And let's never forget that we will be well-rewarded for our efforts.


It's all for HIM.

All for HIS GLORY!

From sunrise to sunset,
commit your work to the Lord.

How do you need to change the way you view work?


Linked today with:

Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Shari at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"