SHOES, SHOES, ALWAYS SHOES

You know, life is tough when problems arise.

(Captain Obvious is my cousin…)

We all know that, right?!

But for me, sometimes life is tough when things are going great.

WHY?

Because it seems like I'm always waiting for the "other shoe to drop."

Definition: to wait for something bad to happen.

(This expression originated in the late 19th/early 20th century.  During the manufacturing boom of this time, tenement living – and other similar close-quarter living styles – was common.  Apartments were often built with one bedroom underneath another bedroom right above it.  Thus, it was normal to hear a neighbor removing their shoes, and sometimes hearing them loudly hit the upper floor.  As one shoe thumped, the expectation of the other shoe making a similar disruptive sound was created!)


I know that this is a self-defeating thought process.  I know that it exhibits my tendency toward negative thinking.  I know that it doesn't say a whole lot about my faith and trust level.

I can make a bunch of excuses for it. 

In fact, here are a few…anxiety issues, obsessive thinking, a faulty temperament.  (OK, I feel slightly better doing that).  But the truth of the matter is this – it isn't all that wrong to look at life this way.

There will always be *shoes*…and they will drop.

It is the one sure thing in this life.

Stuff happens.

It's Murphy's Law – (an adage or epigram that is typically stated as: "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong...and usually at the worst possible time.")

I looked it up on Wikipedia.  It's a rather interesting article.  The one thing that really struck me was the many fields of study that have found this one basic adage to be true – physics, mountaineering, magic, engineering, medicine, law – to name a few.


Hey, I can even quote some Scripture that supports this idea:

"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows." (John 16:33)

Was that statement uttered by Murphy???

Nope!

Jesus Himself said those words.

And trust me, He knew what He was talking about!

Look at His own life.

He's born – YAY.
Herod tries to kill Him – BOO.

He's the Son of God – YAY.
His brothers think He's crazy – BOO.

He gets baptized, and receives God's blessing – YAY.
He gets tempted in the wilderness – BOO.

He brings the Good News to his hometown – YAY.
They try to kill Him – BOO.

He calls twelve disciples – YAY.
One betrays Him – BOO.

He's hailed as the King of Jews – YAY.
A week later, He's crucified – BOO.


I'm thinking that's why Jesus could say those words.  

He knew it from experience. 

LIFE. IS. TOUGH. 

And just when things are starting to look up, just when things are beginning to go well, just when you think you can catch a little breathing room…

BOOM!

Is that that other shoe again???

(Like the giant puddle of antifreeze that magically appeared under one of our cars the other day – or finding out a certain beagle's preventive care medicine isn't stocked at the vet anymore, and you have to order it online, and now you have to pay for shipping – or the coffee that spilled all over my legs and feet and floor on a particularly tight mountain curve as I was speeding driving off the mountain last week.  Seriously???)

I don't mean to be pessimistic, but honestly – I don't know why it has to happen this way.  It's just so discouraging.  

In fact, I can't understand…

"Psst.  Sharon."

As I was saying, I can't understand…

"Sharon.  Listen to Me."

Huh?! Is that You, Lord?

"Yes.  I have something to say to you."

Me, Lord?  Am I in trouble?

"No, not in a punishment kind of way.  But yes, in a forgetting something kind of way."

What have I forgotten?

"The second part of the verse.  That's not all I said, you know."

Oh…

Right…

The second part of the verse.  

The best part of the verse!


"But take heart, because I have OVERCOME the world." (John 16:33)


OVERCOME.

(Some great synonyms: succeed in dealing with, surmount, control, master, conquer, defeat, beat, trounce, thrash, rout, crush, vanquish, get the better of, triumph over, prevail over, win over or against, overwhelm, overpower, outdo, outclass...yeah!)

It's a word I have to hear in my head, and believe in my heart, over and over and over again.

HIS Word –

Take courage.  You will not be alone.  I will not abandon you.  I understand what you're going through.  *Stuff* happened to Me, too.  But I won the victory.  I overpowered the enemy.  I conquered death.

YES!!

He was crucified and died – BOO.
But He rose again – YAY!

And you know what?! 

In that moment, the *other shoe* dropped on the devil! 

He thought things were going great.  He thought he had killed the Son of God. He thought he now ruled with all the authority on earth.  He thought we belonged to him – finally.

BOOM!

Did his heart quake?  Did his knees tremble?  Did his snarly little sneer turn upside down?  Did he look over his shoulder and see a stone tumbled away?

Did he hear the shoe drop?

Jesus won.


In this life, there will always be shoes. 

But we are not ruled by "Murphy's Law."

There is no randomness to our lives, no impersonal destiny, no out-of-control chaos. 

We are kept in the hands of The Lawgiver Himself.

He brings victory out of defeat.  He brings joy out of sorrow.  He brings peace out of turmoil.  He brings life out of death.


He wears the shoes – and when we are too tired to walk – He carries us.

YAY!


(This was a repost – with some 2015 tweaking!  Sorry, but it's been a "Murphy's Law" kind of week!!  Hope you enjoyed…)

Hey, lookie here!

The other shoe dropped!!

(Hee hee...) 

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14, NIV)

"...[Therefore]  let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.  And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, NLT)

"[For] we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." (Galatians 6:5, NLT) 

"You will not need to fight in this battle.  Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf...Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed.  Tomorrow go out...and the LORD will be with you." 
(2 Chronicles 20:17, ESV)

"...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37, ESV)

"'Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.'" (Revelation 3:21, NLT)

"'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace.  In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.'  

[My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]" (John 16:33, AMP)




Had any *shoes* dropping in your life lately?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SOLI DEO GLORIA, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART, REFLECT LINKUP, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING PARTY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, UNITE, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, RA RA LINKUP, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THEOCENTRIC THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, ENCOURAGE ME MONDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LOOKING UP LINKUP, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, LIVING PROVERBS, SUNDAY STILLNESS




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THOU SHALT NOT WHINE

Did you know that this is a commandment?

(Well, not really, but don't you think it should at least be #10a???)

For indeed, are we not all prone to this?

(Tell me I'm not alone on this one, friends…)

I think it's part of human nature somehow.  After all, I see its beginnings as early as the Garden of Eden.


Observe the scene when God confronts Adam and Eve about that whole *apple* debacle – (my paraphrasing):


(GOD) "What have you done?"

(ADAM) "It's not my fault.  It was her fault!  (As he points a finger at Eve and takes a step away).  She gave it to me.  And you know, she's the woman YOU gave me, so it's kinda Your fault."

(God shakes His head, and slowly turns to Eve).

(GOD) "What have you done?"

(EVE) "It's not my fault.  It was the serpent's fault.  He deceived me, and I couldn't help myself.  Not to mention that Adam should have stood up for me and helped me.  And for the record, YOU created both of them, so it's kinda Your fault."


Now, clearly The Blame Game started in Eden, and so did the human propensity to make excuses instead of taking ownership and responsibility for our own actions.

But, I also think this is the beginning of The Whine.

Can't you hear their voices?

Mewling, sniveling, belly-aching.

"It's not my fault, waa, waa, waa…"

If any of you have ever raised children, and spent any length of time with a toddler, you will understand that we just might have a genetic predisposition to whining.  Sometimes nothing is right, and nothing will satisfy, and sometimes our only response is a good ol' temper tantrum.


But think about it – aren't the roots of whining found in blaming?

I think of those pesky Israelites.  I used to be so critical of their grumbling and mumbling.  I used to feel like shouting at my Bible...

"What is wrong with you people?  God brought you miraculously out of Egypt! Don't you get it?  He's not going to stop taking care of you now.  Quit your griping, stand up tall, and get on with it!"

I used to think that.

Until I took a good, long look in the mirror.

Hmmm.

Mrs. Whine looked back at me.


Yeah, I'm no different.

All too often, I find myself whining about life, or troubles, or inconveniences, or setbacks, or obstacles – or my weight or wrinkles or body aches or personality flaws – or bills or bad weather or broken cars – about almost anything that comes along that interferes with my comfort or control, or that doesn't fit in with MY view of *how things should be.*

I admit it – I can be a world-class complainer.


But I have discovered some really dangerous pitfalls about whining, and I'd like to share them with you:


1) It can become a habit

Yes, negativity can become an entrenched pattern.  Like an old, familiar overcoat that we wear – but shouldn't – it can envelop us in some really harmful habits.  I suppose it's one reason that we are cautioned to guard our hearts, and to capture our thoughts, and to mind our tongues.  For what lies deep inside us, the *wellspring* of our attitudes, can become contaminated.

And if we constantly gripe and grouse, we can find ourselves caught in a poisonous mire of infected thinking.


2) It can become contagious

Like the crummy common cold, whining can spread to others.  I think it's rather obvious that this happened to the Israelites.  Can't you just hear one person muttering, "You know, I miss Egypt…"  And then another person saying, "Yeah, you're right.  I liked eating meat."

I have noticed this in my own life.  As a mother and as a wife, sometimes my foul mood infects those around me.  And before I know it – ACHOO! – everyone's in a bad mood.

Yes, like a raging wildfire, the spirit of dissension can run rampant through the ranks.  


3) It can lead to bitterness

Oh yes, and what a slippery slope this can be.  Whining and complaining can become a habit of thinking, and that pattern can lead to bitterness.  And, trust me, bitterness is a spiritual cancer, insidiously leading to sarcasm and cynicism, gossip and backbiting.  Bitterness can pervade every part of us.  It can create an embittered outlook on life and a caustic view of our fellow man.

It's not a giant leap from bitterness to anger to hatred.

And therein lies a mighty foothold for the devil.


4) It can cause wandering

No doubt about this!

Again, we have the example of the Israelites.  Their attitude led to God pronouncing judgment – and they were consigned to wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.  Their example should serve as a mighty admonition. For when we allow negative patterns to take root, we can be distracted, dismayed, and detoured.

A wrong attitude can steer us off the path of following the Narrow Way – it can tempt us to wander away from the Lord.


5) It can erode gratitude and joy

At its heart, whining does not express either thankfulness or joy.  Unhappy people complain.  Ungrateful people grumble.  And when we become caught up in bemoaning everything that's wrong, there's no room for the Lord to capture our hearts with greater Truth – that He is more than our circumstances.  That He is our joy, not the good things in life.

That He is worthy of our eternal gratitude for all He's done for us.


6) It can lead to stagnation

Pessimism is weirdly captivating, for it allows us to moan and groan about life, instead of doing something about it.  Rather than doing the difficult work of searching for joy, it can be a lot easier to give in to whining.  Complaining somehow removes the onus of responsibility from our own shoulders.  It implies that *something or someone else* is at fault for the misery we're feeling.

Whining looks outward – like all that *finger-pointing* in the Garden of Eden.

Whining does not energize, it paralyzes.  Moaning leads to immobility.

And as long as we stay stuck in negativity, the less energy we'll spend on doing the real work of transforming our thoughts and renewing our minds.


7) It can tempt us to blame God

Oh, is there any more dangerous thing?!

Adam and Eve implied (to His very face!) that somehow God was at fault.  The Israelites did the very same thing.  Yes, they grumbled against Moses – but in their hearts, I believe they blamed God.  Their complaint summed up – "Did you bring us all this way just to have us die?" – was truly directed at the Lord.

Do we not do the same thing?

When we know God can do something, and He doesn't, there is great temptation to blame Him for everything that's wrong.  We can begin to feel cheated, affronted, resentful, suspicious.

And that opens the door to a dangerous precedent.


8) It can quench the Holy Spirit

Yup, even though the presence of the Holy Spirit dwells within each person that has accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior, we can still thwart His work in our lives.

We can quench Him, grieve Him, stymie Him, impede Him, hamper Him, inhibit Him.

His work can only be accomplished in a heart that is yielded and surrendered. And trust me, we are NOT handing over our lives when we are caught up in a web of whining.

Negative thinking, out-loud complaining, and general grumbling about life are signs that our focus is woefully out-of-focus – a sure sign that we're looking *around us* instead of looking up!


So, that's my summary on The Whine.

What prompted this post today?

It might have had something to do with the headache I woke up with, the dress that was too tight, the spots and wrinkles I had to hide with makeup, the hot weather…and a host of other *whiney* challenges that ensnared me…

Until I remembered Commandment #10a:

"Thou shalt not whine."


For indeed, we shalt not be tempted to a critical attitude and endlessly reciting a litany of complaints.

We shalt trust the Lord our God, and rely on His wisdom, guidance, and leadership.

We shalt relinquish control of our lives and surrender our circumstances to Him.

We shalt believe in His goodness and grace.

We shalt rejoice in His providence, rest in His love, and remember His mighty deeds.

We shalt return to a spirit of joy and gratitude.


And we shalt walk on…

Oy vey.
Woe is me.
Alas and alack.

Oh, stop it!! 

"In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron." (Exodus 16:2, NIV)

"Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest...And the LORD said to Moses, 'How long will these people treat me with contempt?  Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?'" 
(Numbers 14:1, 11, NLT)

"Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD?  Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?  Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.  Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends." (Psalm 15:1-3, NLT)

"Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you.  Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.  Hold firmly to the word of life..." (Philippians 2:14-16, NLT)

"'For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" 
(Isaiah 55:9, NLT)

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,a whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4, NIV)

"I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1, ESV)

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NIV)

"This is the day the LORD has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it." 
(Psalm 118:24, NLT)



Are you caught up in a web of whining?



Linked with: 

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, MOM 2 MOM MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING, ENCOURAGE ME MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, SHINE, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, UNITE, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, LOOKING UP LINKUP, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, LIVING PROVERBS, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"DEEP COUCH SITTING"

What???

Let me explain.

There is an adorable commercial on TV that I just love.

It starts with a dad, a big and strong and muscular dad.  Who talks about taking care of his small son.  And how he's always so busy chasing and cleaning up after him and his friends that he has no time for *deep couch sitting.*

The doorbell rings.

And, lo and behold, some new cleaning products arrive.  Well, clean-up chores are now greatly expedited, and the dad has extra time on his hands.  The commercial ends with big ol' dad cuddled up next to his cute son.  And he says, "Now this is deep couch sitting."  Which is adorably echoed by his son, "Deep couch sitting!"

It's a great ad on many levels.

I love the fact that it portrays a close relationship between a father and son.  I love that it shows a man who isn't afraid to do household chores!  And let me tell you, the little boy is too, too precious.

But, the thing I love the best is the phrase – deep couch sitting.

As I write this, I am doing some babysitting for my youngest son.  That means all sorts of wonderful bonding time with my favorite granddog, Marty. Last night, as I was reading my current book, just to wind down and get ready for a good night's sleep, I looked down at the furry little buddy curled up oh-so-close to me.

He was warm and snuggly, sound asleep, with his upper body draped across my legs.

"Ahhh," I thought to myself.  "Now this is deep couch sitting!"

And with a rather stunned realization, I recognized the truth of it.  I was indeed more relaxed and restful than I had felt in a good long time.


It got me thinking…

(C'mon guys, breathing gets me thinking!!)

I got to pondering the whole concept of rest, specifically as it is talked about in the Bible.

What does it mean?  

Of course, we know that it is a necessary thing.

How do we know that?  

Because both God and Jesus rested.


Let's start in Genesis.

God did His great work of creation, and on the seventh day He rested.

Ever think about that?

Did God rest because He was tired?

"Phew!  I'm tuckered out.  Making the heavens and the earth was tough. Creating all the creatures was challenging.  But, boy oh boy, making those humans?  That took the last ounce of my energy!"

God tired?

Certainly not!!


So here we come to the first concept of rest in Scripture.

The Hebrew word translated "rested" in Genesis 2:2 is shabat – which means "to cease or stop."  So, the understanding here is that God stopped His work, He ceased creating on the seventh day.

It is from His example, and His directive, that the Hebrew tradition of Sabbath came into practice.

The Law of Moses taught that there should be no work at all on the seventh day.  And in this, we have the beginnings of our seven-day week.

The interesting thing to me is that God’s *resting* was purposeful, intentional.  

I wonder – do I rest intentionally?

More often than not, I don't stop what I'm doing – be it activity or worrying or thinking – I don't stop until I'm forced to by utter exhaustion.

But God showed us by His example that we should take purposeful time to cease our work.  Time to refocus, time to ponder and meditate, time to just *be.*

God rested on the seventh day because His work was complete and perfect.

So, let's be resolute in planning time to cease what we're doing for the purpose of focusing on Him, meditating on His Word, and just taking the time to *be* with Him!


Now, what about Jesus?

We are shown by His example that He often removed Himself to spend time alone.

Don't you wonder what He did during those times?

I'm sure He spent time talking to His Father.

But, I'll bet He also did it to keep Himself from exhaustion.  To find some peace and quiet away from the clamoring crowd.  To re-group so He could face the next steps in His journey.

I wonder – do I look for rest before I wear myself out?

Maybe this could be called preemptive resting!

Taking a *time out* before that moment of sheer exhaustion arrives.

I don't think we're very good at that.

We sorta pride ourselves on a hearty work ethic.  We like to do things to the extreme.  We even approach our leisure time with full-speed-ahead gusto.  (Sometimes a vacation can wear you out more than work!)

Jesus did not do this.

Though there were still people to heal, and lessons to be taught, and multiple demands on His time, He instead pulled away for time alone.


I think this is an area where the enemy is very clever.

He can fool us in a couple of very wrong directions.

First, he can convince us that activity is serving.  

And the more we do, the better "Christians" we are.

Unquestionably, we are called to serve God and to serve the Body of Christ.  But honestly, don't we all know someone (or are you *that someone*) who does this to the extreme?  The person who is never home, constantly doing something, the perfect volunteer.

On one level, it might be tempting to admire this person.

But, can we lose ourselves in ceaselessly serving to the point of exhaustion?

The enemy would love just that.

After all, a tired disciple is an ineffective disciple.  We're no good for Kingdom work if I we're all worn out.  And the father of lies would be overjoyed if we kept busy all the time – never giving ourselves time to think of what's truly important – sometimes even too busy for God.

Let's remember this…

God is not impressed by our *works* – but all too often people are.

So, let's be careful why we're serving, and whom we're serving.


Second of all, the enemy can deceive us into thinking that taking time for ourselves is selfish.  And oh boy, we don't want that!

"Think of others as greater than yourself" – oh, how the devil twists that sentiment!

If Jesus pulled away for rest-full times, was He being selfish?

Certainly not!

I once had a very wise person tell me that taking time for myself was not selfish – it was self-care.  It changed my thinking dramatically.  No longer feeling guilty about periods of *time away,* I instead gave myself permission to take care of myself.  It's so necessary to do this.

I wonder – am I practicing self-care?

So, let's be wary of frenetic activity, even if it's for good reasons and better causes.

Let's take time to take care of ourselves so we can be refreshed for further service.


Finally, I have one other area I'd like to talk about.

It's about when you've gone beyond the limit.  

When you find yourself exhausted, weary, frazzled, weak, debilitated, sapped, overwhelmed and overdone.

It doesn't matter how you got there.

There are many roads that can lead you to this point.

Sometimes it's our own fault.  Sometimes it's just life.

There are just times when we collapse – physically, mentally, emotionally.

These are the times when we cannot take another step.  We cannot muster the strength to go on.  We cannot find peace.  We cannot quiet our thoughts.  Our emotions run rampant.  Our bodies ache. 

Ever been there?

Only Jesus can help us in these moments.

Remember His precious words:

"'Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Put My yoke upon your shoulders – it might appear heavy at first, but it is perfectly fitted to your curves.  Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. When you are yoked to Me, your weary souls will find rest.  For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.'" (Matthew 11:28-30, THE VOICE)


I don't know about you, but those words just sound like a cool cup of refreshing water after crawling through a desert for days.

Really, this is what Jesus is – an oasis in the midst of life.

Quiet, peaceful, loving, caring, gentle, kind.

This is our Savior.  This is our Friend.

So, the word *rest* can also imply an invitation from the Lord.

A Hand held out, bidding you to step out of the fray, to step away from the clamoring din of life.

A Hand held out, asking you to join Him in a quiet place.

I wonder – am I listening?

Oh dear ones, let's take Him up on His offer!!


I encourage you to ponder this concept of *rest* – and to look at all the lessons we learn from our Father and our Savior.

Let's be intentional and purposeful in seeking times of rest.

Let's not forget the value of meditation, of solitude and silence.

Let's not be fooled into thinking that activity in and of itself is any good at all – busy isn't always better.

Let's not serve or volunteer to the point of exhaustion.

Let's be more discerning in what we do and why we do it.

Let's realize when the enemy is telling us lies.

Let's be courageous enough to say "no" when it's needed.

Let's take care of ourselves.

And let's not be guilty when we do…


So today I'm planning to cuddle up next to a beagle who knows a thing or two about resting!  And I'm gonna join him in some good ol' *deep couch sitting!*

For *rest* is a good and necessary thing – restorative and refreshing to body, mind, and soul.

Let's embrace it…

For God calls us unto Himself when we take the time.

Best buddies
doing some serious
deep couch sitting!! 

"'Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations!  I will be exalted in the earth.'"(Psalm 46:10, AMP)

"The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him." (Habakkuk 2:20, NIV)

"He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.  He renews my strength." (Psalm 23:2-3, NLT)

"For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17, ESV)

"God has told his people, 'Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here.  This is a place of quiet rest.'" (Isaiah 28:12, NLT)

"For we who have believed enter that rest..." (Hebrews 4:3, ESV)



Is God calling you into a time of rest?!



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, MOM 2 MOM MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, RA RA LINKUP, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, LOOKING UP LINKUP, THEOCENTRIC THURSDAYS, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

GARAGE SALE BONANZA

Labor Day weekend.

Every year our little town has a community-wide garage sale extravaganza.  And on this weekend, cars and people go a little crazy!

Necks craned, lookie-loos converge, and the streets are not safe for driving! 

It's a bit like being in a demolition derby – as one has to be extremely alert not to hit or get hit while negotiating sudden stops, willy-nilly changes of direction, and abrupt u-turns – by us and other drivers!

Garage sales are best negotiated by a team of two – a driver and a navigator/lookout.

This is why "The Hub" and I are really good at this whole garage sale thing.  He drives, I look out for hazards – he decides where to go and when, I look out for bargains!

But before I tell you about our adventure, I've got to share a bit of trivia.

Do you say garage sale, yard sale, tag sale, or rummage sale?  

Practically speaking, there is no real difference.  

Some of it has to do with where you live.  (For instance, on the East Coast the phrase "tag sale" is more often used.  I've also noticed this regional difference when people interchangeably use the terms, drywall or sheetrock, lightning bug or firefly, submarine sandwich, hoagie, grinder, or poor boy!).   


OK, so, I have to begin my garage sale ruminations by telling you about our *only-once-and-probably-never-again* experience with our own garage sale.

We held one a few months before we put our previous home on the market.  

Deciding to rid ourselves of some of the mountainous amount of stuff I had accumulated in almost 29 years, trying to downsize before having to move it all, we decided to venture into the wild and woolly waters of a weekend garage sale.

I'm not sure I've ever worked harder in my life!


Here's some of what I learned:


The pre-organizing is tiresome and stressful.

Especially when one of you is a packrat, and the other loves to wean and winnow.  One person is saying, "When's the last time you used/wore that?" – and the other person is saying, "I can't give that away.  It has sentimental meaning."  (Bonus points if you can figure out who's who...)

So, the *deciding on what to sell* can be a tedious process.

Mr. Give-It-All-Away and Mrs. Keep-Everything-Forever worked very hard to come to an acceptable compromise – (which meant a lot less went on the "chopping block" than "The Hub" would have liked to see!).


OK, then there comes the staging time.

This is when you put prices on everything.  Some people use tags – which is fine.  But, they're more expensive and time-consuming than stickers.  We used stickers.  But honestly, then comes the challenge of deciding where to put the sticker so it doesn't ruin the item.

I worked hard to find stickers that wouldn't stick too much.  Because one of my biggest pet peeves is stickers that won't unstick, or the ones that leave a gummy residue, or discolor or tear the item in the process of removal.  GRR!


Deciding on prices is also difficult.  

You expect bargaining, so you want to set your initial price at a good starting point.

Too high?  Too low?  

Endless second thoughts.


Second, it's a good idea to make signs and place them in strategic locations.

Up here in our little town, the local paper publishes ads and a map to aid in searching for participating homes.  When we did it ourselves, we didn't place an ad.  But we did make signs.  I used neon-colored poster board, with VERY LARGE (and legible) letters to advertise our location and time.

Visible and eye-catching – that's the objective.

Because I don't know about you, but little signs with little lettering in lightly-written ink are extremely hard to read.  And, slowing down to figure out where the heck you're going – well, it can lead to those sudden stops, willy-nilly changes of direction, and abrupt u-turns that I mentioned before!


Finally, the day for the sale comes.  

Hold on to your hat!

The actual day of the garage sale is like one big sociology/psychology experiment.  You'll find that you will observe the most unlikely and surprising human behavior.

First, people will show up early.

This is one reason why I learned that it's a good idea, if you can, to lay out the stuff IN your garage before putting it out.  This prevents people bothering and pestering you before your preparations are complete.

Because, sure as the sun will rise, scavengers people will be out and about way before your posted time.  Like circling vultures, they'll pounce long before you're ready.  You can make some good sales at this time, but if you're not prepared, you'll just find yourself saying, "We're not open yet" – which is ridiculous when the "store" is your driveway!


Most people are pretty normal and really nice.  

Others defy the laws of explanation!

I vividly remember one guy who sped down our street, came to a screeching halt, and left his car running while he jumped out and ran around our driveway.  After a muttering five-second perusal, he ran to his car and peeled off to another destination.

Hmmm.

Another guy threw me (in my opinion) a very low-ball offer for a set of glass, brass, and mirrored display cases.  I had picked what I thought was a quite reasonable price for each, and he proposed the same price for all three!  I counter-offered, and he started to walk away.  (Yes, I know this can be a tactic).  I was feeling stubborn, and refusing to cave in, until "The Hub" gave me *The Look* – you know, the one that says, "When are you going to use these, I don't want to move them, he seems like a nice guy, some money is better than no money at all...").

Sigh...sold.

Then there was the couple who looked through a box of books.  In very good shape.  Which we had priced dirt cheap.  And then, complaining that our prices were too high, they offered a bargaining price that was laughable. Because I didn't like their rather haughty attitude, I chose not to bargain.  Then smugly watched as they drove off in their ironically expensive car.

Yes.

(I guess I'm not a good garage-salesperson at heart.  For though my objective should have been to get rid of stuff, I found myself personally insulted at peoples' attitudes.  Harumph!)


Which brings me to another point.

I wasn't prepared for being offended.

Some people were unreasonable, some were rude, some were downright dismissive.

I found myself experiencing old insecure feelings.

It brought back memories of not being chosen for a team, or not being invited to a birthday party, or left out of the popular circle of cheerleaders and song girls in high school.

You see, though I had determined that this stuff was stuff I was willing to part with, I wasn't prepared for people not liking my stuff!  

Ya know?!

So, my advice is to detach yourself from your stuff.  (Which is very difficult for me, which is why we STILL have a lot of stuff!)  For instance, don't expect someone else to appreciate the nostalgic value of your old VHS movies and cassettes…ahem.


One last thing that I learned is this – when the sale is over, almost anything and everything that you put out on the curb with a *FREE* sign will magically disappear overnight.  

POOF!


When all was said and done, we made over $400.  Which was great – except for the emotional roller coaster of that weekend!  Harassed, haggled, and harried.  That would sum it up for me!

I have discovered that it's much more fun to be a buyer than a seller!!

Which brings me back to our Labor Day weekend garage sale bonanza.

Yes, we were successful in our searching!

We found some old western frames and pillows, a cute western mirror, a wooden toilet paper holder shaped like an outhouse, some porcelain figurines for my animal collection, a book about ghost towns, an electric sander, a miniature tea set, and a slew of other little things.

What fun!  

But honestly, can I finish this post without bringing in some sort of spiritual application?

Of course not!

So, here's what I want to say...


Looking for stuff is fun, but we must never confuse stuff with treasure.  Earthly things can enhance our comfort and convenience.  They can help grace our homes with a personal touch.  But, we must never become overly attached to temporal things.

For our treasure does not lie in this world.

"Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal.  But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." 
(Matthew 6:19-21, AMP)

"'Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.'" Luke 12:21, NLT)


Second, searching for things can be fun.  Purchasing things can be fun.  But these things are not the first things.

Only God must hold this place.

And we must seek Him before and above everything else.

"'…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.'" (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

"'I am the Lord your God, who has brought you...out of the house of bondage.  You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.'" (Exodus 20:2-3, AMP)

"…if riches increase, set not your heart on them." (Psalm 62:10, AMP)


And finally, let us never forget that we are a redeemed people.

The enemy of our souls would gladly discard us as worthless rubbish and meaningless junk.  He would gleefully have us wear the filthy rags of guilt and shame.  He would enthusiastically celebrate a life lived in the wasted ravages of sin.

And yet, destined for the trash heap, we were instead purchased by our Savior!

Worth nothing in our own right, we were chosen by the Lord God Almighty Himself!

Somehow in the rubble and rabble aftermath of the Fall, He still saw people that He loved.  People that desperately needed salvation.  

And just like that *garage sale treasure* – He saw something worth saving.

Greatly cherished, He sought us and bought us.  And one day, He will bring us home to a place of honor.

Oh, what joy!

"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.  This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us…" (1 John 4:9-10, NLT)

"You are not your own, you were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, AMP)


So, our garage sale adventure is done.  And I can't wait to do it again next year.  

But, in the meantime, I'll leave you with this one last thought…

Oh, the lessons to be learned…if we only go looking for them!!

One man's trash
is another man's treasure...

...or in my case,
every man's trash
is this woman's treasure?!

Go on your own treasure hunt adventure – look for the *gold nuggets* in these Scriptures!



R  "O Lord, You have pleaded my soul's cause; You have REDEEMED my life." (Lamentations 3:58, NASB)

E  "EVERY good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father…who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17, NIV)

D  "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will DWELL in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:6, KJV)

E  "'I have loved you, my people, with an EVERLASTING love.  With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.'" (Jeremiah 31:3, NLT)

E  "'I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the END,' says the Lord God.  'I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.'"(Revelation 1:8, NLT)

M  "[He] said…'Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your MASTER.'" (Matthew 25:23, ESV)

E  "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have ETERNAL life." (John 3:16, NLT)

D  "And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, 'DEATH is swallowed up (utterly vanquished forever) in and unto victory.  O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?'" (1 Corinthians 15:54-55, AMP)




Have you ever held a garage sale?  What did you learn in the process?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, MOM 2 MOM MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, UNITE, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, SHINE, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LOOKING UP LINKUP, THEOCENTRIC THURSDAYS, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"