NEW FEATURES FOR 2014!

First of all, I am not going to change my template.

It's kinda grown on me - and I'm still loving the *rustic barn* look!

But here's some other changes:

I have added a new page, "Button, Buttons," and put some links to other blogs and sites there - in an effort to whittle down my sidebar a bit!

(My blog pages can be found on the sidebar.)

And, I am starting some new devotionals this year. 

Here's what I'll be reading:

"Your Daily Walk" by Bruce H. Wilkinson, Executive Editor, c. 1991, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Zondervan Publishers.

"The One Year Book of Encouragement" by Harold Myra, c. 2010, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

"Once-a-Day Devotional" by Rick Ezell, Dave Veerman, Bruce Fielding, Mark Jackson, Dave Tieche, Dave Jorgensen, and Tom Taylor, c. 2012, The Livingstone Corporation, Zondervan Publishers.  (This book is actually a devotional for men, but in looking it over, I really liked what it had to say - so I'm giving it a whirl!!)

So, the sidebar will reflect excerpts from my reading.  I'll be updating these frequently, so keep checking back!

Look under:

A WORD FROM THE WORD
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
DAILY WALK - Overview
DAILY WALK - Devotion
BE ENCOURAGED
A PRAYER OF ENCOURAGEMENT
A PRAYER PROMPT

Also, I have decided to read through the Bible in The Message paraphrase.  Though I'm not going to use this version for my study purposes, I am interested in hearing a different *voice* throughout this year.  I'm hoping to add a new *shade of meaning* to my beloved Scriptures.  (This will almost be like another devotional, in my mind.)

I'll be posting a *message* from The Message on the sidebar.

Look under:

A "MESSAGE" FROM GOD

(I'll also be updating the reading plan once-a-week at the bottom of my blog).

"The Daily Message" - Through the Bible in One Year, by Eugene H. Peterson, c. 2006, NavPress Publishing.

Finally, I will be revealing my Word for 2014 next Monday.  It's a word that surprised me - and I'm wondering how God will work it out in my life next year!  

(As an interesting sidenote, I have already seen two bloggers who have the same word!  God must be speaking!!)  

May I also take this opportunity to tell you all how much you 

mean to me!  

I have made such wonderful friendships here in Blog Land.  I have walked through many life circumstances with you.  You have all upheld me, inspired me, encouraged me, convicted me, challenged me, and taught me so very much.  And, more often than not, you have provided some much-needed and always-appreciated laughs and giggles!

How I love you all!

The Lord does a mighty work through this venue of blogging, and I feel privileged to be part of this vital and necessary community.  May we all continue to write what God lays on our hearts, and may He use His words through us for HIS purposes.

All to HIS glory!

(From the bottom of my blog):

ALL FOR HIS GLORY

I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.

If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.

But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by His marvelous grace.

I will commit myself to instruction and listen carefully to words of knowledge.

I will leave it all in the Lord's hand.

I will trust Him.

For there truly is a reward for those who live for God.

ALL GLORY TO GOD FOREVER AND EVER!! AMEN!

I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause,

I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause -

I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,

I'd rather be true to His holy name -

I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead,

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.  Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

(1 Corinthians 15:58)

SERVING THE MOST HIGH

Corrie ten Boom once said she was simply, "the skin on the hands of God."

"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39)

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" (Matthew 25:40)

"'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)

"...my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." (Acts 20:24)

True greatness is to serve unnoticed and to work unseen. 

(From The Daily Walk Bible, NLT, c. 2007)

***A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!***

MAY WE BE WARRIORS FOR HIM IN 2014!!

"For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth." (Psalm 108:4, 5, NLT)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Value

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: value

What does the word value mean to you?

What is one thing that you value about yourself?  (C'mon - you know there's something...)

What are the things that God places value on?

How might we learn to value ourselves as God values us?


"And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake. Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]." 
(2 Corinthians 5:15-16, AMP)

"But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.  If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward." (1 Corinthians 3:13-14, NLT)

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24, ESV)

"Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:7, ESV)


Let me know what you think!!        


DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:

"Sometimes I feel trapped by my insecurities...[Give me] an honest appraisal of my own worth based on who I am in you.  Your Word makes clear that you value me highly because you love me deeply.  Thank you that you are sufficient for me.  I have worth because you place value on me and you have created me for a purpose...May I believe this in my heart, and may it affect the way I live...giving me the confidence to do what you have called me to do."


*Help me become a confident and secure person.


"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: "365 Pocket Prayers for Women" by Ronald A. Beers, c. 2011, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - The Checklist

I've been with out-of-town guests this weekend.

My cousins!

It's been great fun. We've talked, we've eaten, we've laughed, we've hugged...

But I've been super-busy.

So, will you allow me to do another re-post? (I didn't hear anything, so I'm going with YES!!)

This was originally posted on July 26, 2010:

It’s a competitive world, isn’t it?!

It seems like everyone is caught up in the "rat race" – always trying to get ahead, make more money, be more popular, look younger, beat the other guy – WIN, WIN, WIN!

There's a lot of pressure to succeed.

I once saw a license plate frame on a fancy sports car – "He who dies with the most toys, wins!"

Can you imagine a more futile life purpose?

Unfortunately, that's how most of the world operates. Thinking they're in control, people only look to fulfill their selfish desires. It's all about "me" – and being better than "you."

As Christians, we're supposed to be different…right?!

But are you like me?

Sometimes I get caught up in my own form of spiritual "rat race." I put a lot of pressure on myself to DO more for God – and then I chastise myself when I fall short and fail.

Am I dotting all those saintly *i's* and crossing all those godly *t's*?

Sometimes I run through a "checklist" – Bible Study, check…prayer, check…go to church, check…tithe, check…oops, could do a little more serving – oh man, I'm such a failure as a Christian.

Just the other day, I was feeling a little frustrated. Couldn't escape the feeling that I wasn't doing everything God wanted me to do. As a matter of fact, what DID He want me to do? So, I turned to His Word – "Lord, speak to me…"

And He did!

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" comes from Deuteronomy. And these verses told me exactly what God wants from me:

"…what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORDyour God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul…Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD…And he chose you…You must fear the LORD your God and worship him and cling to him…He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise…Show love to the LORD your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him."

(Deuteronomy 10:12, 14-15, 20a, 21a / 11:22b)

The checklist just became really easy…

Fear the Lord.
Live in a way that pleases Him.
Love Him and serve Him with all your heart and soul.
Worship Him.
Praise Him.
Cling to Him.
Walk in His ways.
Hold tightly to Him.

Lord, I can do that!!! – Check!

Are you *measuring* yourself by the right yardstick?

Linked today with Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Victory

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: victory

What does the word victory mean to you?

What is the greatest victory you've ever experienced in life?

What has been your greatest spiritual victory?

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!"

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!"

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 - 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!

"God's way of working, therefore, is to get possession of the inside of a man, to take the control and management of his will, and to work it for him. Then obedience is easy and a delight, and service becomes perfect freedom...

It is wonderful what miracles God works in wills that are utterly surrendered to Him. He turns hard things into easy, and bitter things into sweet. It is not that He puts easy things in the place of the hard, but He actually changes the hard thing into an easy one, and makes us love to do the thing we before so hated.

While we rebel against the yoke, and try to avoid it, we find it hard and galling. But when we "take the yoke upon us" with a consenting will, we find it easy and comfortable...

The Lord is our burden-bearer, and upon Him we must lay off every care...

Then too, if the work is His, the responsibility is His, also, and we have no room left for worrying about results. Everything in reference to it is known to Him, and He can manage it all..."

(From "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life" by Hannah Whitall Smith, c. 1888)

(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!"

A NEW DANCE

About 10 days ago, my brother-in-law had an accident.

He fell off his motorcycle while driving to work.

Early one dark morning, as he was changing lanes, a huge rock crossed his path – and he went down.

He broke his pelvis in five places…

Praise God, he is home – but it’s a struggle – a BIG struggle.

He didn’t need surgery – but, he can’t put ANY weight on his legs at all. This means my sister has turned into a burro…

She is the one her husband literally has to lean on.

Last week, I got this wonderful email from her. I just had to pass it on:

"We are doing ok-just trying to settle in to our new adventure. Let's just say, "we are learning a new dance." At first we were sort of bumbling around, and each day we get better at communicating to each other, and now I know what he needs and how to do it. I was thinking last night as I was helping him with his walker to go to the bathroom that it is sort of like a dance-a dance I don't necessarily want to learn, but all the same, a dance. And what is neat is the good Lord has orchestrated this dance for us to learn, and if I fight it, then I will never learn the dance that He has purposed for our lives."

Is my sister just the best, or what?!

I thought about her whole word picture of doing a dance.

It’s so true, isn’t it?

Life is one big dance with God.

Much of the time we try to lead, and end up stepping all over His feet. Sometimes we don’t follow His moves, and we fall down (Kirstie Alley – just sayin’). Sometimes it’s next to impossible to learn the steps – we get tired, and frustrated, and we want to give up.

Sometimes we’re trying to dance a fast dance, and He’s trying to teach us how to waltz.

I loved what my sister said – He has a purpose to His dance.

And when we fight it, we don’t learn it.

The secret is yielding to His lead.

Here’s some wonderful stuff I learned from Wikipedia:

"In partner dancing, the two dance partners are never equal. One must be the Lead and the other will be the Follow.

The Lead is responsible for choosing appropriate steps to suit the music…and leading the Follow by hand…to complete the chosen steps smoothly and safely...

The degree to which the Lead 'controls' the dance (and, by implication, "controls" the Follow) depends on…dancer sensitivity.

…this relationship might better be understood as a conversation between partners, with each contributing to the style and mood of the dance through their connection…the lead's complete control of the follow, and the follow's relinquishing a greater degree of creative or expressive autonomy...

For the Lead and Follow to interact with each other, communication needs to occur between the dance couple…More advanced dancers will take many cues from each other through this connection, with the Follow using it to communicate feedback to the Lead just as the Lead uses it to suggest moves to their partner. The most accomplished dancers use connection as a line of communication which allows the lead to incorporate the follow's ideas, abilities, and creative suggestions into their own styling and selection of moves.

…the lead's steps differ from the follow's…the follow generally "mirrors" the lead's footwork."

Can you see the spiritual truths in there?!

My sister and her husband are learning a "new dance" – and knowing them, they’re doing a great job of it.

But they are also teaching me a valuable lesson.

God is orchestrating His dance, too.

And I must not fight it.

God leads, we follow – it’s the only way it works.

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

DREAM ON...

Last Sunday, our church had a guest speaker.

He was from Kenya.

And he gave a mighty message.

He talked about dreams.

And he began by asking a rather startling question –

"Does serving God make you afraid?"

Interesting thought, isn’t it? What exactly are the things we’re afraid of? Failing, looking foolish, losing our safety or security, giving something up? Fear keeps us from following our dreams.

But fear also keeps us far from God.

It’s like we’re saying to Him – "I want to be close to you, Lord, but not too close – because You might disorganize my tidy life."

OUCH.

Pastor Muriithi went on to tell a story about Moses. It’s found in the beginning of the book of Exodus. Moses is having a discussion with God about what God is calling him to do. Or rather, Moses is protesting what God is calling him to do!

"But Moses protested again, 'What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, 'The LORD never appeared to you?'

Then the LORD asked him, 'What is that in your hand?'

'A shepherd’s staff,' Moses replied.

'Throw it down on the ground,' the LORD told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake!"

God asked Moses a powerful question.

What is that in your hand?

To Moses, his staff represented three very important things:

 His identity

 His income

 His influence

And that is precisely what God was asking Moses to lay down – for HIS sake.

God was saying to Moses:

"Let ME define you."

"Seek ME first, serve only ME, and I will add all the other things you need."

"Let ME decide how high you rise."

Moses’ reluctance and fear were caused by worrying about the outcome. He was afraid of how people might respond to him. He was afraid to let go of his life – afraid to let God have His way.

But, God turned Moses’ staff, a simple shepherd’s stick, into a living thing.

God takes joy in using ordinary things for His extraordinary purposes!

What are the ordinary things in your life – your voice, a pen, a hammer, a broom, a musical instrument, your car, your job – the things that are like a simple shepherd’s staff? God uses all these things. It is wrong to assume that He can only use special skills. We must not hinder His use of the everyday contributions we make.

God doesn’t want what you don’t have – He wants what He’s already given you.

God has a purpose for each one of us – a purpose that He had in mind before we were ever born. In fact, God intended that purpose and then He created you to fulfill it!

And if you’ve got dreams, my friend – even big ones – trust me, God’s dreams for you are much bigger than the ones you have. He is calling you to an extraordinary life – an abundant life.

He has a Kingdom dream that is perfectly matched to who He created you to be.

He delights in saying to us, "What’s that in your hand? Great, I can use that!!"

So, what are you afraid of?

Are you ready to stop living a comfortable life?

Will you trust God for a God-sized dream?

After all, little did Moses imagine the power his simple staff would wield when it became the staff of God!

Ready, aim…aim…aim…aim…

Isn’t it time to fire??

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

PLANTING SEEDS

"What’s that you have, little girl?" asked the stranger with the kind eyes.

"It’s a tiny seed," she replied.

"What are you going to do with it?" he asked.

"Well, at first I just put it on a shelf, but then it got all shriveled and dried out. Then I decided to hold it really tight in my hand, all the time, but then it got all soggy and limp. So, I’ve decided I’m going to plant it."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea!" said the kind stranger. "Where are you going to plant it?"

The little girl looked puzzled.

"I’m not sure."

"Well, I know a great place to plant it!" he said with a smile.

"Really?!" she squealed.

"Really."

So the kind stranger led the little girl to a tiny patch of dirt, in an obscure little field, and pointed to a place next to a large tree.

"Here is the perfect place for this seed to be planted."

The little girl looked doubtful.

It didn’t seem like the area was very conducive to growth. It looked rather inhospitable, and dry. The ground was hard, and the little patch of dirt was in the shade. But, too embarrassed to disagree with the kind stranger, she started to dig up the dirt.

And then, when the little hole was dug, she glanced back up at the stranger.

"Should I put the seed in the dirt now?"

"Yes, absolutely. It’s exactly the right time for it to be planted."

So she did.

For days, the little girl would come and check where she had buried the seed. She saw nothing happening…nothing at all.

The dirt looked even drier, the ground looked even harder. There were weeds growing everywhere. The shadow of the tree was blocking out the sunlight.

One day, very discouraged, she just sat down and started crying.

Almost instantly, she became aware that she wasn’t alone.

She looked up and saw the silhouette of the stranger.

"What’s wrong?" he asked kindly.

"My seed isn’t growing," she sniffed. "I didn’t think this was a very good place for it to grow."

"It’s the perfect place for it to grow," he reassured her. "It just needs a gardener."

"Well, I don’t know anything about how to grow seeds, and I don’t know any gardeners," she sighed.

"Ah, but that’s where you’re in luck," he said. "I am a master gardener. Will you let me help grow your seed?"

With no other alternative in mind, the little girl said, "Yes."

And the stranger got to work.

He cultivated the surrounding dirt, he yanked out the weeds, he spread fertilizer, and he watered the area around where the seed had been planted.

"There, that should take care of it until tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" the little girl asked in surprise. "You mean you have to do this every day?"

"Yes," replied the stranger. "Seeds need tending every day if they are to grow."

Day after day, the little girl watched the stranger work. Every day he tended the seed. And before she knew it, under his watchful care, a sprout broke through the surface and began to grow.

She was delighted.

One day, the stranger approached her. He still had the kindest eyes.

"So, what do you think? I told you that seed would grow!"

"Yes, you did. But it only grew under your care," she replied.

"But that’s how it’s supposed to happen. Only a master gardener knows how and when and where to grow a seed."

"Will it grow very big?" she asked him seriously.

He paused for a moment…

"Time will tell. But see that large tree right next to your growing seed?"

She looked to where he was pointing.

"Yes, I see it."

"Well, I planted that one, too."

And with that, he winked at the little girl, as she stared at the tree in amazement!

Are you giving your seed to the Master Gardener?

Letting Him do His work of cultivating and weeding – fertilizing and watering?

Can you trust that in His timing, your seed will become a mighty tree?

Plant your seeds, my friends – and have faith…

"You don’t have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." (Matthew 17:20)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Procrastinate

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: procrastinate

Do you ever procrastinate? About what kinds of things, and why?

Do you think it's ever a sin to procrastinate?

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!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Popular

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: popular

What does it mean to be popular?

Do you think Jesus was popular in His day? Do you think He's popular now?

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!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Excellence

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: excellence

How would you define the word excellence?

How are excellence and perfection different?

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!"

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SHOES

You know, life is tough when problems arise.

We all know that.

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."

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.

Look up “Murphy’s Law” 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)

Those are the words of Jesus Himself – God. They’re written in RED letters in my Bible.

He knew.

Look at His own life.

He’s born – YAY.

Herod tries to kill Him – BOO.

He’s the Son of God – YAY.

His brothers hate Him – 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 He could say that verse. He knew it from experience. Life is tough. And just when things are starting to look up, just when things are going well, just when you can catch a little breathing room…

BOOM!

Is that that other shoe again???

I don’t mean to be pessimistic, but really – 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)

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 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 owned all the authority on earth now. 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.” 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!

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”

NOW OR LATER

Ever think of what certain words mean?

Like the word “bustle.”

What’s that?

Not the noun – the fancy little bundle at the back of a woman’s skirt way back when…

No, the verb – the ACTION word!

Dictionary definition:

“To move briskly and often ostentatiously (fond of conspicuous, vain display); to be busily astir; noisy, energetic, and often obtrusive (forward, undesirably prominent) activity.”

Some words that are like "bustle"?

Ado, flurry, fuss, commotion, agitation, disquiet, hubbub, tumult.

You get the idea.

Why on earth did I come up with this word – and why now?

Because I am reminded of this word at this very busy holiday season. People are just plain “bustling.”

I don’t think “bustling” occurs just at Christmastime. It’s just a little more apparent now. Because more of us are out. In malls and stores – searching, hunting for those perfect presents.

The snow might be crunching, and the kids might be bunching – but most of us are bustling.

It’s a human thing.

We are enamored with activity. We love busyness. We are compelled to pay attention to the urgent. We are driven…

I think of Shakespeare’s great play, “Much Ado about Nothing.”

Really – what are we doing?

We are chasing after silliness – fortune or fame. Desiring money and earthly security, we are eating crumbs when we should be feeding on the Bread of Life. Craving recognition or approval, we are sipping at puddles when we should be drinking Living Water.

We are replacing Eternity with Activity.

The “eyes” of our hearts are not working right. We’re out of focus – we’re nearsighted.

Jesus warned us against this human tendency toward spiritual myopia.

“Do not love this world or the things it offers you…For the world only offers a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions…And this world is fading away…”

(1 John 2:15-16)

The world offers only a temporary “fix” to that longing in our hearts. God placed eternity in us – and only eternity will fulfill that spiritual yearning. Activity will never do it. Activity is only running away, avoiding and evading the TRUTH.

Are we so busy living FOR the moment that we've forgetten we’re supposed to be living IN the moment?

What does Jesus want in our moments?

He wants us to focus on the important, not the urgent.

He wants us to see people, not things.

He wants us to be faithful and fruitful, not frantic.

He wants us to grow deeper, not be shallow.

He wants us to be intentional, not just busy.

He wants us to live with purpose, not frivolous pursuit.

He wants us to remember, not forget…

“Where your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

(Matthew 6:21)

Are you living like there’s no tomorrow – or living in today?

Are you bustling? It’s not a holiday problem – it’s a human problem.

Activity or eternity?

What’s your choice?

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God.”

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Success

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: success

What does the word success mean to you?

Do you think it's wrong to have/want success in this world?

What about having ambition?

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!"