A BREAK IN THE ACTION

I've been MIA in Blog Land for a couple of weeks.

I feel like I need to give some explanation.

I've been blogging for 6½ years now, and over that time, many people have come and gone in the blogging community.  I've known and been close to several of them, and built a relationship, only to have them "disappear."

Often I've wondered what happened…

Why did they quit blogging?

Was it burnout or something else?

Are they OK?

With that in mind, I wanted to at least explain my absence.


First of all, I'm OK.

Except that illness has come to roost in my body…again…GRRR!

After three weeks of some respiratory illness, and a five-day round of antibiotics, I managed to feel better for about two weeks.  And then, I got hit with something else last week.

Flu.

This time I have had a fever, aches, chills, cough…blah, blah, blah.

I don't know what's going on with me, except I've been around family a lot more lately, and it's that time of year…

I think we're ping-ponging illnesses.

Evidently my family is a "giving" family?!

So, missing my regular Monday posting one week, easily became two weeks, and here we are.


I'll be honest, the time off has been nice.

I have been struggling with my writing lately.  Feeling uninspired and burned out.  Questioning my place in Blog Land, and wondering if it's time to hang it all up.

I don't have the answers yet.

Part of me wants to stop, but I don't have peace about that.

And knowing that the enemy has a vested interest in silencing God's voice speaking through me, I don't want to make a hasty decision.  And I certainly don't want to make a decision based on my current physical and emotional weariness.

Feelings must not dictate.


So, dear friends, I am taking a break for now.  

Using some much-needed time off to reflect, refresh, restore, and renew.

Praying for God's clear direction as to what HE wants me to do with my blog.

Seeking renewed fervor and inspiration if He leads me to continue.

I'd appreciate your prayers.


I will try to do some visiting in Blog Land this week.

I miss reading the wonderful things that all of you contribute to the blogging community in general, and to my heart specifically.

I am always inspired, encouraged, challenged, convicted, uplifted when I visit.

So, forgive my absentee presence (oxymoron!!) lately.  I'll do my best to rectify that as soon as I'm feeling a bit better.

And I hope that I will return to my writing and posting soon…if God so leads me in that direction.


In the meantime, keep the faith!!



What have you been up to lately?  Would love to hear all about it in a comment!

Ah yes, this is the question!! 

I just googled "God restores the weary" and the first entry referred to Jeremiah 31:25.  I have read the whole chapter, and wonder if it isn't God speaking to me.  I share the portions that spoke to me, personalized:


"Thus says the LORD:
Sharon…found grace in the wilderness;
when she sought for rest,
the LORD appeared to her from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Again I will build you, and you shall be built,
O Sharon!
Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines
and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.
Again you shall plant vineyards…
the planters shall plant
and shall enjoy the fruit…

With weeping Sharon shall come,
and with pleas for mercy I will lead her back,
I will make her walk by brooks of water,
in a straight path in which she shall not stumble,
for I am a father to her…

He who scattered Sharon will gather her,
and will keep her as a shepherd keeps his flock.
For the LORD has ransomed Sharon
and has redeemed her from hands too strong for her...

She shall come and sing aloud…
and she shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD…
her life shall be like a watered garden,
and she shall languish no more…
I will turn her mourning into joy;
I will comfort her, and give her gladness for sorrow…
and she shall be satisfied with my goodness,
declares the LORD.

Keep your voice from weeping,
and your eyes from tears,
for there is a reward for your work,
declares the LORD,
and you shall come back from the land of the enemy.
There is hope for your future,
declares the LORD…

Set up road markers for yourself;
make yourself guideposts;
consider well the highway,
the road by which you went.

Return, O Sharon…

Once more you shall use these words in the land…

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish…

I will watch over you to build and to plant, declares the LORD…

You shall not be plucked up or overthrown anymore forever."


Yes, Lord, may it be so!



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

PETER PAN CHRISTIANS

OK, so there's this TV commercial.

It drives me crazy.

Picture the scene:

It's a high school reunion, Class of 1965.  A small group of people are quietly talking.

And then…

Peter Pan flies in.

He lands in front of the group and promptly does two completely annoying things:

He asks one of the men to give him a high-five, and as soon as the man reaches up, Peter slugs him in the stomach.

Then he acts surprised as he glances at a woman – "Joanne, is it you?" – and then proceeds to tell her, "You don't look a day over 70."  (Which is sooo insulting, because if you calculate her age, she's only 68!!)

The commercial ends with Peter singing, "You Make Me Feel So Young," while flying around the room and hitting people in the head with his feet.

It's a funny commercial, but by the time it's over, I want to slap young Peter silly!

Honestly, though, don't we all know someone who refuses to grow up?

I have seen full-grown adults acting like obnoxious children.

(And I have observed that this tendency is especially true when there's alcohol involved.  No wonder we are cautioned against drunkenness – it makes us look like fools).

Then there are other people who dress too young for their age.  In my humble opinion, I think that instead of making them look younger, they just end up looking tasteless.

Still others accumulate "toys" – fancy and expensive things.  Have you ever seen that bumper sticker that says: "He who dies with the most toys wins"?

Yeah, that's maturity speaking.


So, what's at the root of immaturity?

I think it's three main things – insecurity, pride, and fear.

Insecurity can arise when we compare ourselves to others.  

And in a culture that celebrates (idolizes?!) youth, it's tough to feel healthy self-esteem.  Plastic surgery is so prevalent these days.  Many people seem addicted to it, and pursue endless methods of staving off appearing old.

It's the modern-day fountain of youth.

Now let me say this, if you've had plastic surgery, I'm not going to judge.  I've been tempted a few times myself.  But if you're seeking it for all the wrong reasons, it will never alter the actual years on the calendar.

Pride can arise when we think we are in control of our lives.  

And when we start to get older, a fact we cannot control, it's tempting to get caught up in doing all sorts of other things that give us the illusion of control. New clothes, new jewelry, new "toys", new people – all of these things can be pursued in a prideful effort to "cheat" growing older.

The enemy can exploit this – infidelity, greed, discontentment – all of these things stem from a prideful desire to "get what I want" – to make life (or re-make it) in our own image.

And so often, what we do NOT want is to grow older.

Fear can arise when we face those candles on the birthday cake.  

Because the older we get, the more we have to face our own mortality.  And that, my friends, is a daunting and sobering reality.

Now I'm not gonna lie.

Getting older can be pretty scary.  

Changes that occur in our bodies and our minds can be terribly unsettling.

Aching joints, wrinkles, hair loss, weight gain, hearing impairment – not fun.

Not to mention the increasing frequency of *senior moments* – those times when you forget stuff – like what you were talking about in the middle of a sentence!!

It's disturbing.

I'm going to be 62 pretty soon, and I am so NOT looking forward to it.

But, though I'm growing older, I don't want to grow old.

I'm talking about a mindset.

A mindset where I don't give in to the oh-woe-is-me outlook that life is over, that I am useless, and I might as well just grab a shawl and a rocking chair and give up.

No sir.

However, as I grow older, I do want to start wearing some of the good things that come with age – dignity, wisdom, grace.

Because just as refusing to grow up as people is annoying, refusing to grow up spiritually can be disastrous.


God does not want Peter Pan Christians.

We are admonished in the Word of God to not be childish.  But we are also encouraged to be childlike.

Hmmm…

A contradiction?

I think not.

So let's ponder that.

I've come up with eight characteristics – four that are signs of childishness, and four that are signs of childlikeness.


Let's see if any resonate with you:


1) Children have tantrums

Oh boy.

Haven't we all seen the "beauty" of a child having a tantrum in the middle of the grocery store, or a restaurant, or even church?  (I have also been the parent dealing with that…ahem).

Children have tantrums because they get easily frustrated when they don't get what they want when they want it.

And they let everyone know about it!

A childish spiritual outlook demands that God act according to our ways, our wants, our timing.

Spiritual maturity learns the patient way of waiting.


2) Children are greedy

In infancy, a certain amount of "greediness" makes a lot of sense.  Babies are nothing but little blobs of "need."  They are driven by those needs, and squawk when they don't get them met.  It's a matter of survival.

But as babies grow older, this tendency remains.

Their natural tendency is to want everything for themselves.  All of the stuff, all of the time.  I have seen small children surrounded by toys, but still wanting the one thing that someone else has.

A childish spiritual outlook is greedy, coveting recognition, approval, money, possessions, power – whatever it is that this life tempts us to crave.

Spiritual maturity learns that earthly treasures are not treasure at all – they’re just worthless trinkets not worth grasping.


3) Children are selfish

The gift of sharing doesn't come naturally to a child.

However, it is completely natural for them to go through the "It's mine!" stage. In fact, it's a good sign of behavioral development.  It signals the fact that they are experiencing a greater sense of self, and learning how to attach complex feelings to inanimate objects.

They are asserting ownership to maintain a sense of order and control.

But if you ever try to take something away from them, look out!

That phrase: "It's like taking candy from a baby."

Oh yeah.

A childish spiritual outlook does not share easily, and insists on personal ownership, order, and control.

Spiritual maturity recognizes that all things come from God, and holds lightly to things, always willing to let go.


4) Children consider themselves the center of their own world

We celebrate the growing sense of independence as a baby grows up.

But we also harbor an expectation that they will continue to develop beyond a self-centered focus on themselves – their thoughts, feelings, desires, wants – to a place where they consider the needs of others.

Narcissism – defined as an inflated sense of one's own importance – doesn't look good on anyone over the age of 3!

A childish spiritual outlook focuses only on the self, and selfishly pursues the satisfaction of the self, often to the ignorance of the needs of others.

Spiritual maturity learns to feel empathy, and to reach beyond the self to sacrifice and surrender.


If those are some characteristics of being childish, what about being childlike?

Let's ponder some of those:


1) Children have a sense of wonder

Have you ever looked at the world through the eyes of a young child?

Everything is wonder-full!

They are endlessly curious, continually fascinated by the wonder of the world that surrounds them.  A sense of awe is a familiar companion.

Every day begins with wide-eyed marvel at the beauty and complexity of life.

There is no room for complacency, apathy, lethargy, or indifference.

Childlike faith greets each day with wonder, insisting on seeing the beauty of God's world with awe and astonishment.


2) Children are affectionate

Don't you just love the image of children crawling up into the lap of Jesus?!

I can see a bundle of them surrounding Him – some of them sitting on His lap, some stroking His hair, some touching His face, some playing with His sandals, some snuggling into His robe.

Unmitigated, unhindered, unreserved affection.

Children know how to love Jesus!

Childlike faith holds great affection for the Lord, and is willing and eager to pour out love at His feet like an offering.


3) Children are curious for knowledge

Little children are like sponges – soaking up every piece of information they can get.

Children are not easily satisfied with pat answers.  They do not desire trite or cliché or routine.  They are constantly curious, always looking for new insight, new revelation, new wisdom.

They want to learn new things, and they are willing to pursue knowledge in single-minded focus.

Childlike faith isn't satisfied with one-dimensional knowledge, but rather, pursues spiritual insight, revelation, and wisdom with single-minded focus on the Author of Truth.


4) Children find joy in simple things

Children love to giggle and laugh – mostly at the simple things in life.

They are happy creatures who live as if life is profoundly simple, and simply profound.

Blowing dandelions in the wind, flying a kite, building a sandcastle, holding a butterfly, licking a lollipop, skipping rope…children enjoy simple things with great delight.

They haven't yet become distracted by the weight and worry of the world.

Childlike faith bears in mind that circumstances don't dictate the condition of the heart, and remembers that simple joy can be found by delighting in the Lord.


So, to sum up, I have to assert that personal maturity does not necessarily correlate with longevity.  Just because we have a greater number of years on this planet, it doesn't mean that we've grown into maturity.

Maturity must be mindful.

And it's the same in our walk of faith.

Being a believer for a certain number of years doesn't automatically guarantee spiritual maturity.

Spiritual maturity must also be mindful.

Spiritual maturity takes intentional work – prayer, study, discipline, application of truth. 

It takes purposefully pursuing Jesus, emulating His ways, and letting the Holy Spirit continually renew and redirect us into the path of spiritual growth.

It requires discerning between what's childish and what's childlike.


No, God does not want Peter Pan Christians.

He wants His children to grow up into maturity, reflecting accurately His Truth – while at the same time exhibiting a total surrender of self to the joys of pursuing and obeying Him.

A tall order sometimes?

Yes, but we can do it with His help.

He can teach us how to carry ourselves with dignity, wisdom, and grace – while still maintaining a childlike faith.


Yup, that's what I want – to grow up…

…while still being a Kid of the King!!

Though growing older
may show in my face,
I'll do it with dignity, wisdom,
and grace. 

"'My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding.'" (Jeremiah 4:22, NIV)

"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation…" (1 Peter 2:2, ESV)

"Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would to spiritual people.  I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life.  I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren't ready for anything stronger.  And you still aren't ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature." 
(1 Corinthians 3:1-3, NLT)

"For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." (Hebrews 5:13-14, NASB)

"When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child.  But when I grew up, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11, NLT)

"Dear brothers and sisters, don't be childish in your understanding…Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind." (1 Corinthians 14:20, NLT)

"Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…" (Hebrews 6:1, NIV)

"…when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten.  No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God…" (1 Corinthians 2:6-7, NLT)

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-15, NIV)

"He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ." 
(Colossians 1:28, NIV)

"So now through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God [in all its countless aspects] might now be made known [revealing the mystery] to the [angelic] rulers and authorities in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 3:10, AMP)

"Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.  Then he said, 'I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.'" (Matthew 18:2, NLT)

"'I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.'" (Luke 18:17, NLT)

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)



Do you struggle in an area where you're lacking spiritual maturity?




Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING, MUSING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, TITUS 2SDAYS, WORSHIPFUL WEDNESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, SO MUCH AT HOME, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, GRACE AT HOME, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SPAM?? - CAPTCHA GOTCHA

OK, so there's this verification thing on blogs.

It's called Captcha. 

But did you know it stands for this:  "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart".

It's a way to screen out spam comments.

Usually, one only needs to check a box to confirm that you're not spam. (While trying not to be personally offended at the implication that you would ever be spam even if given the chance!  Totally kidding!!)

I don't know why I get all nervous waiting for the green check mark.  Or why I then get all excited when it appears.  (As if I was ever in doubt???)

But, sometimes the verification asks for a second step.

In this scenario, you are shown a photograph, and then asked to check off all the other photos that are in the same category.

OK, honestly, this is a difficult task when you are "reading-glass-challenged" like those of us who have reached…um…wonderful middle age.

I have found myself squinting to even see what the photos are!!

Then, the second challenge is the category itself.

I have been known to fail on my first attempt.

Once I was asked to check all the boxes that were sushi.  As I squinted, I checked off the boxes that I thought were photos of sushi.  Then I was informed that I had somehow failed.

Huh?

What did I do wrong?  

Did I mistakenly check off a spring roll, or a tiny hors d'oeuvre, or…what the heck WAS that anyway???

Or, how about the category of meat.

Don't "tiny bits of something white in a salad that look like chicken" count? Or, excuse me, should that have been considered for the incorrect salad category?

Sometimes, after encountering a few of these Captcha moments – (which I am not fond of capturing) – I find myself inordinately hungry for really random food.

Not so great.

Especially when there's no sushi in the house.

Suffice it to say, that I also used to struggle with the verification method that asked you to type in the number you saw in a photograph.  Can't tell you how many times I looked, and scanned, and peered…and yes, squinted…trying to determine what the numbers actually were.

Is that an 8 or a 3?  A 1 or a 7?

Where's a magnifying glass when you need one?

Now, I have to admit that I did enjoy the old verification method of one or two words that you had to retype.  I had fun imagining what the gobbledygook words might mean.

Like gobbledygook.

And, I enjoyed the occasional actual word(s) that snuck in.

This was especially fun when the two words formed a rather funny phrase. Like *heroic lizard* or something else ridiculous – (I just made that up).

(By the way, what is a heroic lizard anyway?  One who keeps his tail?  Or one who burns his belly by refusing to do those funny lizard push-ups on hot cement?  Or what about the one that refuses to move when I scream??)

I digress.


But really, all this has got me thinking…

Two thoughts come to mind.

First of all, we are not spam to the Lord.

He has saved us, and we belong!

There is no need to add to His gift of salvation.  There is nothing we can ever do to make His love for us greater or less.  We are justified by our faith, and the verification is the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

What a comfort in a world that is becoming increasingly more impersonal, more dangerous.

It is an age of social media, where people "connect" but often never get beyond the surface of "look good, talk good" posturing.

It is an age of identity theft, when people try to "steal" who we are.

It is an age where many are bullied, many are persecuted, many are hated – just because of misguided stereotypes and preconceived judgments.

It is an age where we can get *lost*…

No need.

For we are intimately connected to the Lord God Almighty.  

The One who knows all about us, way beyond our surface.  The One who promises that we are never in danger of losing our identity as His children. The One who is infinitely kind and compassionate to each and every one of us.

No more judgment, no more condemnation.

For we are held securely by Our Redeemer, the One who *verified* us when we opened the door of our hearts.

Green check mark completed!


The other thought I've had is that there is no confusion in Him.

Captcha has sometimes confused me with their numbers and their photos.  I find myself struggling to understand what I'm seeing.

And in this tired old world, with its many "mixed messages", it's easy to get confused.  We are constantly bombarded with conflicting viewpoints.  And how widely the meter of public opinion swings.

Sometimes humans can be so naïve, so gullible, so willing to follow…

Confusion could reign, if we were not given the sure beacon of Truth.

The Bible is the perfect antidote to a world gone mad.  

We are cautioned against listening to false teachers and untrue teaching.

And we do this by reading, studying, contemplating, memorizing, internalizing Scripture.  By making ourselves intimately familiar with it.

We are promised that if we seek wisdom, it will be given to us.

Let's take God at His Word (literally!).


So, my friends, as we negotiate Blog Land, with all its idiosyncrasies, may we remember these two things…

We are not spam.

We need not be confused.


OK, one more thing…

We are eternally *verified* by The One who *captcha-ed* us and who has said forever…

"Gotcha."

Sorry.

The heroic lizard made me do it!! 

Hey!

I passed the test!

I got the green check mark.

 Thumb's up!! 

"Know that the LORD, he is God!  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3, ESV)

"'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.  No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else.  No one can snatch them from the Father's hand." 
(John 10:27-29, NLT)

"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." (Romans 14:8, NIV)

"Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence." (Ephesians 3:12, NLT)

"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)

"You, therefore, dear friends, having been warned beforehand, must continually be on your guard so as not to be led astray by the false teaching of immoral men nor fall from your own steadfastness." 
(2 Peter 3:17, WEYMOUTH)

"Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit.  You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world." (1 John 1:4, NLT)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)

"By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path." (Psalm 119:105, MESSAGE)

"Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, AMP)

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13, ESV)



How does knowing you belong to God *straighten out the paths* of life?



Linked with:

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



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

60 IS THE NEW...40??

Well, in my opinion, 60 is still the same old 60.

Emphasis on old.

Sure, there are those who say 60 is the new 40.  (Why are most of them celebrities??  Or plastic surgeons??).  I gotta say, there is a part of me that agrees with that idea.  For instance, I think I'm in much better shape than my parents were when they turned 60.  I think my mindset is younger, too.

But 40???

I admit to standing in front of my mirror and *test-driving* what it would look like if I had a little "work" done.  I tug a little here, and pull a little there.  Not bad.

But here’s what I'm thinking about…

What is so bad about growing older?

Well, for one thing, it's certainly not applauded in a culture that's obsessed with chasing the fountain of youth.  We're often embarrassed to share our real age, we're chagrined to admit we qualify for "senior discounts," and we bemoan the travails that age brings.

Don't get me wrong, I am NOT a fan of arthritis, cellulite, or menopause.

But c'mon – let's admit the truth.

We cannot stop the aging process.

Back a generation or so ago, old age was venerated, not despised.  Older people were sought out for their wisdom.  Now they're often marginalized as irrelevant.

How sad.

And folks, I think it's more than just sad – I think it's unbiblical.

You see, I believe that God sees old age as a gift.  I believe that He bestows long life on some people because He has very specific purposes for those who wear a crown of gray hair (even if it's dyed!).


And what might be those purposes?

I've got some ideas:


1) Passing on wisdom

Now, I'm not going to boast that I'm wiser now that I'm older.  But you know, I just might be.  Experiences (good and bad) have a way of showing us life with a clearer vision.  And sometimes as our physical eyes grow blurry, our inner person is focusing more accurately on the Lord and His ways.  We have an obligation and the privilege of passing on the wisdom that He has given us through the years.


2) Teaching truth

Years of being in church and Bible studies, searching the Scriptures on my own, and learning to listen to the Spirit – all of these things have served to give me a greater insight into and understanding of Truth.  No, I'm not always right (don't tell "The Hub"!!), but, I am well-acquainted with God's Word, and I am privileged to teach others what He's shown me to be true.


3) Testifying to God's faithfulness

Sometimes God's faithfulness can only be seen by looking back over the years.  By remembering.  By reflecting on the ways His hand was at work when we may not have even been aware of it.  It is from this perspective of a long-range view, that we can tell others about God's immutability – His unchanging character, and His unfailing grace.


4) Exhibiting inner beauty  

I'm not gonna lie.  I do not like the effects of aging on my body.  I fight against it.  I've got lots of creams and gels and serums.  Wrinkles still abide happily on my face.  I've tried whitening my teeth.  Results are mixed.  Saggy is the new adjective that's replaced perky and firm.  And my makeup routine? A well-coordinated effort at hiding, disguising, and diminishing spots and flaws.  And DO NOT get me started on tweezing.

But, there is a beauty that is more meaningful to God, for He does not judge on appearances.  God looks on the heart.  And so, I believe that we are called to age gracefully – and full of grace.


5) Praying for others

The power of prayer is never diminished by age.  In fact, some of the most powerful prayer warriors I know are much older than I am.  So, why bemoan our increasing physical immobility if we can travel and cover the world with prayer from our own homes?  As we get older, we can always explore and develop this most awesome aspect of prayer – the effective intercessory prayer.  The enemy would love us to focus on all the things that we can't do as well as we used to.  And that's because he's afraid of what we can accomplish on our knees!


So, God loves His *older* saints.

Yes, He does.

And He is never finished with our work or our purpose or our sanctification until He calls us home.

I figure that every day I wake up, He has something for me to do.  Sure, sometimes I don't know what it is, and sometimes I want a *big* something to do – the lure of big ministry, and big audiences, and big recognition still tugs at me.  But, I cannot allow myself to be sidetracked by that distraction. If I do, then I will forget the *smaller* things He wants me to do.

To pass on wisdom, to teach the truth, to testify to God's faithfulness, to exhibit inner beauty, and to pray for others.

Important tasks, and vital purposes.


60 is the new 40?

Naw.

But it IS the age where God is going to use me now!


Oh Lord, teach me to value myself in the way that You do.  Show me that the image in the mirror will never be as important as the reflection of a heart that longs for You.  Grant me wisdom, and help me to pass it on.  Reveal more of Your truth, and let me teach others about it.  Give me the courage to testify to Your faithfulness and unchanging character.  Help me to focus on the inner beauty of a spirit totally yielded to You.  Equip and enable me to pray for others like a warrior.

And though I'm growing older, I am grateful for every day You give me, until You call me home.

And THAT is going to be the best day ever!

You saw me before I was born.

Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out

before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.

They cannot be numbered!

I can’t even count them;

they outnumber the grains of sand! 

"You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul...You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 11:18-19, ESV)

"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." (Psalm 51:6, ESV)

"Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen.  Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live!  And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren." (Deuteronomy 4:9, NLT)

"My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.  That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long...I will tell everyone about your righteousness.  All day long I will proclaim your saving power...I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD.  I will tell everyone that you alone are just...I will tell about your righteous deeds all day long..." (From Psalm 71, NLT)

"My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long...I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.  Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.  Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come." (From Psalm 71, NLT)

"...in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 
(1 Peter 3:15, NIV)

"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done." (Psalm 9:1, NLT)

"O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do." (Psalm 71:17, NLT)

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.  When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness...Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised." (Psalm 31:25-26, 30, NLT)

"Your adornment must not be merely external...but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:3-4, NASB)

"The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them.  People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT)

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 
(1 Timothy 2:1-4, ESV)

"...pray for each other...The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." (James 5:16, NLT)

"Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16, NIV


(NOTE:  My birthday was several months ago, but I am still reflecting - and adjusting - to my first year in this new decade!!)



What do you think are some things that God wants you to do as you grow older?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, UNFORCED RHYTHMS, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, SALT & LIGHT, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAYS, UNITE, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, TELL HIS STORY, CAPTURE YOUR JOURNEY, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, WEDNESDAY'S PRAYER GIRLS, SO MUCH AT HOME, WHAT YOU WISH WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, THRIVING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, HEARTS FOR HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, LIGHT FRIDAY HIT LIST, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, THE FRIDAY FIVE, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, STILL SATURDAY, SATURDAY SOIREE, WEEKEND BREW, WISE WOMAN, GIVE ME GRACE, SUNDAY STILLNESS



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Perspective

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: perspective

What does the word perspective mean to you?

What is the main difference between a human perspective and God's perspective?

What are the things that blur your spiritual perspective?

How can we gain a more godly perspective on the situations and circumstances in our lives?


"He replied, "What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God." (Luke 18:27, NLT)

"Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. "Get away from me, Satan!" he said. "You are seeing things merely from a human point of view [perspective], not from God's." (Mark 8:33, NLT)


Let me know what you think!!          


DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:

"Jesus binds us to Himself in a permanent relationship, and for it to function well, we have to have the same agenda He has...When we lift up our eyes to see the big picture in His heart, He looks much more favorably at the pictures in our hearts.  When we take up His desires, He takes up ours...Soaking in His Presence shapes your heart with His desires and brings you in line with His purposes."


*Surround me with Your Presence and impart Your heart to me.


"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: "The One Year Experiencing God's Presence Devotional" by Chris Tiegreen, c. 2011, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

HEAVENLY GPS

I am directionally-challenged.

I admit it.

But I do not take all the blame.

Men are partly to blame because of their very confusing way of giving directions.  

Why do they always tell you to turn east or west on this street, or go north or south?  When I want directions, I want to know whether to turn LEFT or RIGHT!  The other thing they do is to always mention distances – like "go about ½ mile before you make the turn."  I want to know how many stoplights – and please give me some landmarks.  You know, like turn at the VON'S market, the one next to the Denny's on the corner, across from that cute little gift shop!

You know what I mean.

At least I have no problem ASKING for directions when I don't know where I'm going - ☺

I am not aided by any convenient directional assistance either.

Eddie the Explorer does not have a Garmin…

So, I usually resort to using some online site for directions – (and most often, they give you the most indirect way to go, by the way!)  I actually miss those old Thomas Guides – give me a paper map and I'm a happy camper.

It's not surprising that sometimes I get myself turned around, or find myself having to backtrack to get where I need to be.

Lately, it's not so different with my life.

The last couple of weeks especially, I have been overcome with unrelenting anxiety attacks.  The familiar tingle of adrenaline has greeted me each morning – frantic insomnia has accompanied me most nights.

My mind has felt like a rat caught in a maze – turning here, running there – always trying to escape the sense of impending doom.

I've always been a Nervous Nancy – but this latest storm of anxiety has been particularly intense.  Disturbing.  Overwhelming.  Unnerving.  (LOL!)

It started with my introduction to the new role of being a part-time caretaker in my parent's life. 

For one thing, I am physically exhausted.  I have made so many trips down the mountain and back – each trip taking 2-3 hours, one way! – that I can almost drive in my sleep.  A few times I have had to fight against that sleep, let me tell you!

But it's the onslaught of emotions that I am greeted with when I arrive that's the most tiring.  Emotions from the past stirred up into flames.  New emotions to fan the flames.

These emotions are not easy.  They aren't comfortable.  They aren't familiar.  

They aren't godly.

Sure, I understand that they're probably very human.  But we all know that human feelings often spring from a sinful nature.

And that's the battle.

I have found myself taken away by negative thoughts, ugly feelings.

Getting lost in them.

Zooming off on the highway of jealousy.  Getting sidetracked by anger.  Finding myself getting all turned around on the freeway of fear.  Ending up at the dead-end of selfishness.

Lost.

The enemy loves giving directions – false directions.  He's like a crazed crossing guard, or an evil traffic cop – a detour that delights in sending us off on wild goose chases.

But, the saving grace is exactly that – the Saving GRACE.


So many mornings I have pleaded, "Lord, lead me today."

So many nights I have cried out, "Lord, help me find my way."

That's why I'm turning to the Lord's GPS…God's Positioning System.

I need His heavenly eyes.

For I have never needed His guidance, His direction, His perspective more.


The Narrow Way is narrow indeed.

And it's so easy to get waylaid, to get turned around, to get lost.

But, that's why we need to trust The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

He is the only One who can lead us away from our sinful nature, back into the folds of the Spirit.


Yup…

Recalculating.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

"My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.  I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths.  When you walk, you won't be held back; when you run, you won't stumble.  Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go.  Guard them, for they are the key to life." 
(Proverbs 4:10-13, NLT)



How do you need the Lord's *direction* lately?


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
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Wisdom

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: wisdom

How would you define the word wisdom?

Do you think there's a difference between intelligence and wisdom?  If yes, what is it?

Is wisdom a gift or can it be learned?

What is one piece of wisdom you would like to pass on to someone else?


Let me know what you think!!


"And this is what he says to all humanity: 'The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.'"  (Job 28:28, NLT)

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise."  
(Psalm 111:10, NIV)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."  (James 1:5, 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)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"THE WHY CHILD"

"The Why Child."

That could have been my nickname growing up.

(Well, at least one I would have liked.  We won't discuss "Spoke" or "Railroad Mouth")

I was an intensely curious child.  I wanted to know the "why" about everything.  I know most kids are that way.  But evidently I was more persistent in my questions.  And they were deep questions.

My pondering started early!

For instance, maybe most kids would ask something like, "Why is the sky blue?"

My question might be more like, "Why can't I touch the sky if I can see it?"

And, I would add follow-up questions:

"How far away is the moon?"  ("How" questions are close cousins of "why" questions, by the way).

"Why can't I look at the sun?"

"Why isn't it light all the time?"

"Where does the wind come from?"  ("Where" questions are also on the family tree, by the way).

God bless her, my mom would try to answer my incessant questioning. But, more often than not, I heard this:

"Ask your father when he comes home!"


So, curious and inquisitive - yes I was.

Not entirely bad qualities.

But, as I grew older, my questions started to overflow into my faith.

"Why" questions became problematic sometimes as I tangled with the bigger issues:

"Why does God allow bad things to happen?"

"Why doesn't everybody go to heaven?"

"Why does God feel hidden and silent sometimes?"

I'm not entirely sure that my "why" questions reflected doubt.  I may have walked some miles off the narrow way in my life, but I never turned my back on my faith.

But I wrestled.  I struggled.

I always identified with Job.  I understood his questioning.  His heart-wrenching "why," hurled toward the heavens, could have come from my lips.

And you want to know the truth?

I always kinda thought that God's response was harsh and insensitive.  Maybe even (dare I say it?)...sarcastic?  arrogant?

Job had suffered terribly.  He was still suffering...terribly.  I think his questions were legitimate, understandable - they were human.

And God didn't (wouldn't) answer even one "why" question???

To me, that seemed almost (dare I say it?)...cruel.

Yup.

So, "why" has been my lifelong companion.

But today, something in one of my devotions got me thinking, questioning...

(I know - you caught the irony, right?!)

This devotional book has a question to ponder at the end of the reading for the day (wonder why I picked it?!).

Here was the question for today:

"What are some of the conversations you want to have with Jesus in eternity?"

Huh.

Well, let me tell you, back in the day I would have arrived at those pearly gates with a laundry list of questions.  I would have pushed for a *consultation* with the Lord.

"Um, excuse me, Peter.  I'm happy to be here, but I'd like to schedule an appointment with Jesus.  I have questions!!"

But when I read that question in my devotions today, it stopped me.

Why?  (LOL)

Because I realized that I am not so burdened by my questions anymore.

They're still there, yes.  But they are far less important than they used to be.  And my quest for answers is far less urgent and compelling.

What happened to them, I wondered today...

Lo and behold, my conclusion was this:

MY FAITH HAS GROWN!

I still have questions, sure, but now I can release them easier.  They don't have a stranglehold on me.  They don't consume me like they used to.

Why?  (LOL again)

Because they aren't as important to me as my relationship to 
The Answer.

I have come to know Jesus in a far more personal way.

He is my God - but He is also my Friend.

You know, I think my arrival at the pearly gates is going to be different now. My hands will be empty - no laundry list of questions.  No demands, no agenda.

Only these words:

"Peter, where's Jesus?"

I don't really want answers.  I just want to see His face.


Ah...now I realize something about Job that has always puzzled me.

His response to God's response.

Job wasn't hurt or disappointed or frustrated or angry.  He didn't spit out a snappy retort.

"Yeah, great, God.  I know what You've done.  But I want to know why?"

Nope.

That was never uttered.

No, instead, Job was humbled in his heart.

For him, God had grown bigger and more personal at the same time.

Job was completely satisfied to give up intellectual knowledge for intimate relationship.

He traded mind contentment (answered questions) for heart communion (fulfilled soul).

And, in many ways, I have too.

I realized that today...and it made me happy.

My "why" child has matured into a "Who" person.

The Who.

The Answer.

My Friend.


I get it now, Job.

I get it now, Lord.

I get it.

Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb...
For I locked it behind barred gates,
limiting its shores.
I said, "This far and not farther you will come.
Here your proud waves must stop!"

Job responds to God:

"You asked, 'Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?'  It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me...

I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes."  (Job 42:3, 5)


Are you still asking the questions, or are you seeking The Answer?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"