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?




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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION

I am a voracious reader.

I love reading, always have.

And my taste in books is rather eclectic.  I tend to lean toward fiction, for I do indeed love a good story, but non-fiction has its appeal, too.  Almost entirely, the non-fiction books that I read are written by Christian authors.

As for fiction?  I'm all over the place!

First of all, might I just say that I am quite pleased to see that the world of fiction now contains some wonderful Christian books.  Just as the world of Christian music has become more "legit" in recent years – the world of Christian literature is becoming more professional, more marketable. With better writing, and better exposure, the world of Christian fiction is exploding.

No longer do we have to be "embarrassed" by faulty fiction with poor plot, shallow characterization, or stilted dialogue.  Good books are being written – books that just happen to be written by Christian authors.

Having said that, I am also a great reader of secular fiction.  I am quite fond of mysteries, having earned my *reading stripes* on Nancy Drew.  And I also enjoy fantasy and science fiction.  I find that I tend to go on "reading jags" – becoming enraptured with one genre, and reading only that for several books in a row.

Lately, I've gotten rather immersed in historical detective novels.  Novels that have a wonderful plot, great characters, and a smattering of true historical facts and settings.  I've learned a lot about other centuries in other countries.  I've discovered a lot about early medical practices and forensics. And let me tell you, I'm glad I live in the 21st century!!


But, once in a while, I find that my two worlds clash.  My *Christian* comes against the worldview.

This happened just the other day.

I'm currently in the middle of a great series.  The characters are truly captivating.  The settings are breathtaking.  And the mysteries are multi-layered and intriguing.  So, I'm hooked on finishing this series, and then eagerly awaiting the next installment.

But, as I was reading the introduction of the next book (for me) in the series, which is set in Jerusalem, I was taken aback by something I read.  The sentence started out, "In the first century of the Common Era…" OK, I'm immediately perturbed at the use of this term.  I think it's a way to get rid of the traditional A.D. – which stands for "Anno Domini" – and means "in the year of our Lord."  It serves as the other side of B.C. – which stands for "before Christ."

So, I'm upset that this author is removing herself from any reference that uses Jesus as a benchmark.

Then, she refers to Him like this: "…a troublesome rabbi and carpenter from Nazareth…"

This is where my spiritual shackles rose!

How dare she dismiss our Lord?!

That entire day, I felt upset.  And I've been thinking about my thoughts and feelings ever since.

Why did I react like this?

And why so quickly?

For yes, my reaction was visceral, without rational thought, instinctual, and even protective.

I felt the same way I used to when someone would make fun of one of my sons, or try to bully them.  The *mother eagle* in me would swoop in with flaming eyes of vengeance and protection.

"Don't you dare go after one of my boys!!"

And, this is how I felt after reading these words.

"How dare you go after my Lord?!"

I felt righteously indignant.


So, curious, I looked up that term:

"Righteous indignation is typically a reactive emotion of anger over perceived mistreatment, insult, or malice. It is akin to what is called the sense of injustice…a feeling involving anger mingled with contempt or disgust."

Yup, that's what it felt like.

But, on pondering this whole incident, and my ensuing reaction, I have three things I want to bring to the table today.  Three lessons that I think the Lord wanted me to learn.


1) We should stand up for what we believe.

In other words, sometimes I think we're tempted to slough off things that people say or do.  We're unwilling to take a stand, for we are afraid of offending them, or of being attacked ourselves.  And so, thinking we're being spiritually meek and humble (at least that's the rationalization I use sometimes), we let things slide.

I've been party to conversations when people are bashing Christians and religion to my face.  My old neighbor used to do this.  And, I was silent. While on the inside, I kept thinking these two things:

"Does she not KNOW that I am a Christian, too?"

"And why am I not setting her straight about that?"

Yeah, sometimes I made a feeble attempt to justify the actions of people associated with the faith, but often it was a very tepid, milquetoast response on my part.  And part of what made it hard to have a good response is that, quite frankly, sometimes Christians behave badly.

I have often said that Christians can "block the view."  Sometimes it's really hard to see Jesus through our faults and sins.  Sometimes we're obstacles and not reflections.

But there is another situation in which I find it hard to stand up for what I believe.

I also find myself getting upset, but staying silent, when this happens in conversations.  The person says to me something along the lines:

"Oh, you're religious."

My hackles rise, but I either stay quiet, or I make some attempt to distinguish between a religion and a relationship.

Usually it falls on deaf ears.  For most people will then look at me like I'm a nutcase, a fanatic who's having a "relationship" with an invisible being.

Koo-koo…

I am all too often a spiritual shrinking violet, slinking away from confrontation or possible offense – even though the Spirit within me has been hurt, demeaned, or dismissed.

I want to do better.


OK, the next thing that I think the Lord wanted me to learn is this:

2) We should feel compassion and pity for the unsaved.

My first reaction to this person was anger.  Oh boy, I wanted to "get in her face."  I wanted to point out how disillusioned she was, how woefully incorrect she was in her view of Jesus.  I wanted to tell her off and set her straight.

And not in a kind way.

But, over the next few hours after reading this, the Lord began to change my heart.  He began to reveal to me that this woman didn't deserve my anger and hatred – though her words might stir up ill feelings, her lost heart should move me to tears.

I felt convicted.

Righteous conviction.

I got to thinking.  Though we might be highly offended at the words and actions of the unsaved, what should move us most is sadness and pity at the lost state of their souls.

Jesus told us to love our enemies.

How can we do that?

Sometimes I think it means that we pray, fervently, for their salvation.

For after all, aren't we really offended in the first place because we are privileged to know the Savior?

And don't we want that for everyone?

It's what the Lord wants.

I am reminded of this verse:

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9, NASB)

These people are not ignorant or stupid.  We are not "better" than them.  For truth be told, all of us are but creatures in desperate need of a Savior, whether we know Him or not.

Therefore, we should have the heart of God, who mourns over the lost, who does everything in His power to move them toward repentance.  The One who died for them, and loves them.

So, we can feel angry, yes, but we should really feel sad, and we should pray.


And finally, the Lord had this to say:

3) We should rely on Him in these situations.

Righteous indignation.

It should lead us to action, yes, but God-ordained action.  After all, we are not perfect – (I'm not, are you??).  And in our humanness, our indignation can become anger and we can say things we ought not.

Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between when I've been offended and feeling selfish anger, as opposed to a healthy indignation that comes from the Spirit.  Sometimes I can end up defending myself and not the Lord.  My heart is a deceptive thing.

Only Jesus knew indignation that was perfectly righteous.

He must lead us.

When to say something, and how to say it.

For His purpose in everything He did and said was to point to the Father.

And therefore, everything we do and say must also point to Him.  To His grace, His mercy, and His salvation.

This world is going to be offensive at times – perhaps lately, most of the time.  And we can be righteously angry and deeply offended.

How to react?

Stand up for what you believe, pray for the salvation of the lost, and rely on the Lord to do the speaking through you.

At the right time, in the right way, with the right words.


You're probably wondering, will I finish this book?  Probably.  For I do love the people, the story, and the series.  But, I am adding this author to my prayer list.

Because, though she wrote so eloquently about Jerusalem, the beautiful and shining city on a hill…

…she totally missed the Main Character.

It is ALL about Jesus.
The Way,
The Truth,
and The Life.

"Then the LORD asked Moses, 'Who makes a person's mouth?  Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD?  Now go!  I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.'" (Exodus 4:11-12, NLT)

"'At that time your mouth will be opened; you will speak...and will no longer be silent.  So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the LORD.'" (Ezekiel 24:27, NIV)

"'...when I give you a message, I will loosen your tongue and let you speak. Then you will say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says!'  Those who choose to listen will listen, but those who refuse will refuse...'" 
(Ezekiel 3:27, NLT) 

"…do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." (Luke 12:11-12, ESV)

"...don't worry about how to respond or what to say.  God will give you the right words at the right time.  For it is not you who will be speaking – it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matthew 10:19-20, NLT)

"...for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!" (Luke 21:15, NLT)

"...no one can tame the tongue.  It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.  And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth.  Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!...

If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom...the wisdom from above is first of all pure.  It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.  It is full of mercy and good deeds.  It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.  And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness." (From James 3, NLT)



What gets your *spiritual hackles* up, and how do you handle it?




Linked with:

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



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"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!"

"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!"

DON'T LOOK AT ME!

Inspection.

A process not to be confused with "just-give-it-a-quick-once-over."

The dictionary defines inspection as: To examine carefully and critically, especially for flaws

So, in any buying/selling a house transaction, there comes a time for the *Inspection*.  A time when some professional is paid to go and check out (microscopically) the house.

I much prefer being the buyer in this situation.

In this case, the inspector kinda "works for you" - he has your best interests at heart.  He investigates every nook and cranny to make sure that everything works and is *up to code*.

This is a good thing if you're the buyer.

Because, more often than not, you have all the bargaining power.  If you're not satisfied with the inspection, you can back out of the deal.

We were generally pleased with the inspection report on our new house in the mountains.  A few repairs - (which the sellers took care of) - but no *deal-breakers*.

However, when we accepted an offer on our house, WE became the sellers.

And we became the subject of the dreaded inspection.

Let me tell you - it was tough.


I found out that I. DO. NOT. LIKE. being inspected.

Actually, I have found the whole process of selling a house to be invasive and unsettling.

Initially, I felt unnerved having photos of my home on the internet.  It is not a good feeling to google your address and see pictures of YOUR OWN home up the for the whole web world to see.

"Oh look, there's my bed, where I sleep."

"Yup, that's where I take a shower, all right."


"Uh huh, there's all the cool stuff I've decorated with."


I felt wildly uncomfortable having people (total strangers) come into my house.

I actually did fret about people breaking something.  I really worried about them stealing stuff - (I'm Polly Paranoia, remember?!)

So, that part was not easy.

We had so many showings in that first 24 hours that "The Hub" and I just sat in the backyard rather than go away.  Do you have any idea how weird it is to know that people are snooping around and whispering about your home?

And then the day arrived for the home inspection.

I was nervous about it - (I think I watch too many home improvement shows). We had to leave this time - while Inspector Gadget and the buyers investigated every nook and cranny in OUR house.

Luckily, our repair list was very small - very *do-able*.

But the process of being looked at, and evaluated felt bad.  I felt exposed and vulnerable.  I felt judged.

I felt like everyone was watching me take a shower or something.

It got me thinking about the Lord.

About why so many people avoid Him.

I think it's because we humans do not like being inspected.  We get uncomfortable under the microscope.  We singularly tend to avoid having our motives or words or actions evaluated.

We don't like to be judged.

Many non-believers see God as the "Evil Judge in the Sky."  He bandies about a long list of "DON'TS" - which He arbitrarily imposes on us - and then He deems us not *up to code*.

They stay away from Him because He feels invasive.

But sadly (and honestly) I think many of us God-fearing believers kinda shy away from Him sometimes too.  We don't like being looked at - we feel vulnerable and exposed.

We also sometimes fear His judgment.

I know I intellectually accept the overarching Truth that I fall short of the glory of God.  I know I need salvation.

However, it's the little *fall shorts* that I'd rather not have God see. Sometimes I don't want to disappoint Him.  Other times, I just want to do my own thing and not have Him interfere.

Skewed view?


You bet!

Because the truth that I am learning is that I need God's inspection - for I am often an expert at self-deceit.

"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?" (Jeremiah 17:9)

So, Lord - I need Your inspection to stay spiritually sound.  I need Your help to stay *up to code*.  Please point out the faulty stuff. And please make any necessary repairs.

I want to be a home that YOU are comfortable living in!



"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!" (Psalm 139:23, ESV)


Do you feel comforted or unnerved by the knowledge that nothing escapes the all-seeing eyes of God?


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THE MOVING MEMOIRS - Worth a Second Look

So, Debbie suggested that I name these posts about my moving journey.

I thought I'd take her up on it – (obedient blogger that I am…)

Some great discarded thoughts:

"Movin' On Up" – (I kept hearing spontaneous outbursts of the theme song from "The Jeffersons")

"Go Tell It On the Mountain" – (I had a music thing going there, huh?)


"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" – (had to think of just one more)


"The Big Move" – (sounded like a migration of giants…)


"Move Me, Shake Me" – (not such a good idea in Southern California earthquake country)


I have finally decided on "The Moving Memoirs" – with a subtitle of "When God Says Go!"

I thought it was an appropriate title – 

Definition of memoir: a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them and based on personal observation

Definition of moving: producing strong emotion

So…there ya go.

I thought I'd start today in the beginning…because that's a very good place to start.

As I mentioned on Monday, we originally looked at houses last summer.  And then, we started looking *for real* in January.  We probably traipsed ourselves through about 25 homes – and "virtually" toured another 30 or more online!  

We finally found one that we liked – a great view, most of the amenities that we wanted.

We liked it enough that I decided to have my sons go up with us for their opinion.  Because, after all, I didn't feel like I could really go without their blessing.

Well, the second we drove into the driveway of this home, I felt their *vibes* – and they weren't good.  They tried to be nice, generously pointing out things they liked, while keeping quiet about the things they didn’t.  But…a mom knows.

I finally pulled them aside and said, "Be honest.  You don't like this house, do you?"

And both of them said basically the same thing – "We just don't picture you here, Mom."

God speaks to the spirit.

We decided to drive around the neighborhood a while.  At one point, the road came to a dead-end, and there was a house there.  I casually mentioned, "Oh, we looked at this place last summer."

The boys looked at each other, looked at me, and said, "And why didn't you like this house?"

I muttered, "We only got a chance to look at it for like 10 minutes.  It was a little modern."

But I also muttered, "It's got acres…"

Well…much discussion later…it was decided that this home needed a second look, a second chance.

You see, seasoned house-hunters look at things differently than they do when they first start out.  They begin to understand that there is no perfect house (unless you want to build it yourself!)  But…there are houses with grand potential to become beautiful homes – and there is one house out there that is *your home*.

So, we scheduled another appointment to tour this house.

And lo and behold, the moment "The Hub" and I walked in the front door, we knew.  I looked at him, and he looked at me – "This is it," I said.  He smiled and said, "I know."

And when I looked out the window at the spectacular view of the mountain, I cried.

Yes, indeed, this was our home.

I've reflected on this whole experience – this "change of heart" if you will. The house was exactly the same as it was when we visited it last summer. What happened between Visit #1 and Visit #2?  

A couple of things, I think:

We saw a potential there we hadn't seen before – how new carpet, new paint would totally transform the look.

We spent more time there, and appreciated the many features of this house.

We compared it to all that we had seen, and realized that nothing else came close to being the "right" place.

But, more than anything, I believe that God spoke to us this time.  HE showed us that this was the place He had prepared.


So, my first lesson in "The Moving Memoirs"?

Sometimes, when God moves the spirit and speaks to the heart, it changes everything.  We see things with new eyes.  He reveals His will, and we know what He wants us to do…

Sometimes God wants us to give someone another chance, or to take another look at a situation, or to re-consider an opportunity.

Sometimes God reveals His plans right away – and sometimes His plans are revealed a step at a time.


Sometimes He turns a "no" into a YES!


Is there anything in your life worth a second look?


(Incidentally, I did take my sons back up to this house to get their opinion. Consensus?  "Mom, this is a no-brainer."  Their blessing was the icing on my cake!)


(OH!  When things get settled down a bit - I'll post pictures...)


Linked today with Joan at the GRACE CAFE


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

I was having lunch with a good friend the other day.

We were talking about the many ways that we're alike (poor thing – I don't envy any resemblance to some of my foibles…just sayin')

Especially in our thought life.

We talked about how we're always having this "running dialogue" in our heads – (another good friend calls it "the committee in her head") – and we're always analyzing things.

Oooo – some of my old English professors would be so proud. Remember way back in the good old days when they actually taught grammar? C’mon, it ain't that long ago…

Remember how we had to diagram sentences? Draw that line – place the subject on the line, and then put a slash, and then put the predicate (look it up if you don't remember!!). Then, there were all these little *offshoots* for adverbs and adjectives and the like.

Well, that's what I seem to do with my life.

I parse it.

OK, I'll give you a definition for that one (this is the general, not just grammar, definition):

Parse - To examine closely or subject to detailed analysis, especially by breaking up into components; To make sense of; comprehend

Yup, sounds just like what I do.

So, OK, a little self-analysis isn't entirely a bad thing. Other people run through their lives without thinking about anything they do or why they do it. That can be a trap, too!

But, here's the deal.

It's the danger of over-thinking.

Because, you see, I think the enemy is a real pro in that whole Battlefield of the Mind.

He has a lot of good tactics.

Yes, in my case, a full frontal attack is often effective. But not for long. You know why? Because I recognize it for what it is. An attack.

No, he's a (whole) lot more effective in the area of subtle subterfuge. He's very, very sneaky. And that's where he does his best (infernal) work in my life.

I'm always thinking (parsing). And I always think that what I think is coming from me. Does that make sense? My thoughts must be my thoughts because I think them, right?

However, I happen to think that there's a real Scriptural basis for the fact that Satan can wield some influence in our thought life. He can manipulate and twist and hint and turn and suggest thoughts. He can fan the flame of an errant notion, he can encourage a wayward inkling. He can lead an idea down the pathway to sin.

And, all too often, I let him.

Because I'm not on the alert.

When he comes to the door of my mind and knocks, I not only open the door – I very often invite him for a cup of coffee.

Sometimes he even gets a meal.

How ridiculous.

I don't open the real door of my house to many people. Few ever cross the threshold. So why am I so cavalier with my mind? Since when am I a full-service inn?

My friend and I had an interesting discussion about this.

And I determined that I need to be much more suspicious of my own thoughts. I need to be more diligent in what I allow myself to think. I must be aware of and vigilant over the enemy's wily ways.

Because, after all, there's really only one person knocking on my door that I care about. There's only one person that I desire to invite in. Only one person that I really want to move in, and dwell in my mind.

The Lord.

May He help me hold my errant thoughts captive – and stop them at the threshold before they sit down and make themselves at home.

I need to turn that "Open for Business" sign over…

Sorry.

"CLOSED TODAY"

How do you grapple with the errant thoughts in your mind?

Linked today with Joan at the GRACE CAFE

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God"

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

"The Hub" and I are facing a rather big decision.

And I have no desire to take one step out of His will. (I've done that before - it doesn't work out so well...!)

So I have been seeking after God's direction and guidance.

It's been hard to find peace.

I shared a while back that I have been looking for a *sign*. Does this mean yes? Does that mean no? It was driving me crazy - waiting for a tangible direction to pursue. This mindset just wasn't working for me.

I finally had a conversation with God one day about a week ago. I told Him that I was going to move forward, and that I totally had faith that He could, and He would, stop us if the direction we were heading was not in His plan for us.

I felt peace almost instantly.

I realized that waiting for a *sign* was in some way relying on my own understanding. I was depending on my ability to interpret God's revelation of His will.

But when I switched gears - when I stepped out in faith, trusting God to then lead one way or the other - things changed inside of me. Now, instead of putting the burden on my shoulders, I am trusting God's ability to lead, not my ability to understand.

It's a subtle difference - but it's made all the difference in the world.

I am trusting God to get me or keep me where I belong.

I thought this would be a good time to re-post something I wrote early on in my blog history (July 8, 2010). It's a message that I need to hear again...

PEACE FOR THE JOURNEY

Monday I went to a barbecue given by one of my friends.

It was the first time that I had met any of her family. They were wonderful. They treated me as if they'd known me all of their lives – they treated me like…well, like family! I felt the same way.

My friend comes from a large family. I enjoyed my time visiting with her sister, and brothers, and all the others. And yes, OK, the food was delicious!! I ate enough for a small battalion – a small battalion of giants, maybe! But the highlight of my evening was spending time talking with my friend's mother.

What a precious woman of God, what a delightfully happy soul.

She and I talked about many things – and the name of Jesus wove through our conversation like a thread pulling all our thoughts together. She had a phrase that she kept repeating – it was like her little faith motto. And I just loved it –

"You know, Sharon, God’s gonna get you where He wants you to be!"

When I got home that night, I couldn't get that out of my mind.

Sometimes I fret about my future (read…most of the time). I have so many expectations, hopes, dreams, and yes, fears about what's going to happen. I can get really worked up about it all. I feel impatient sometimes – sometimes excited, sometimes anxious.

I feel everything but peace it seems. Like it's "all up to me!" Like I'm a human "Garmin" – I am in control of the direction of my life. Turn here, turn there, speed up, slow down…go, stop…merge, pass, and whatever you do, DON'T CRASH!!

How silly!

I'm not really in control of my life at all. And truth be told, I don't really want to be. I liked it better when I was a little girl. My parents took responsibility for me. They made my decisions. They fed me and clothed me. They took care of my needs. They loved me freely, and all I had to do was love them back – because I trusted them.

I want to be like that with God.

Total trust, total peace – totally free to just love Him back.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good…to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)


OK, Lord.

After all, You’re gonna get me where You want me to be!

Linked today with Joan at the GRACE CAFE

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Deceive

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: deceive

What does it mean to deceive someone?

How does the world deceive us?

How does the devil deceive us?

Do you ever deceive yourself? In what ways?

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)

(SIDENOTE: Tomorrow I'm starting a new weekly feature called SATURDAY STROLL. I will be *interacting* with Scripture - making it a conversational walk of faith. C'mon over and join me - you know we can all use the exercise!!)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Knowledge

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: knowledge

What is knowledge, and does knowledge make you smart? Does it give you common sense?

What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?

How does human knowledge compare to God’s knowledge?

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!"

BODYSURFING

So, yeah – I know how to bodysurf.

I've spent my entire life living less than an hour from the Pacific Ocean.

And if you were my dad's child – it wasn’t enough to know how to swim. You had to learn how to bodysurf.

It takes practice…and practice.

Learning which waves are the ones worth *catching.* Learning when to start paddling and how fast. Learning what it feels like when you've snagged the wave. Learning how to keep your head up and enjoy the ride!

And what a ride it is!

I can't describe to you the feel of being propelled forward by the power of the ocean. I've never tried surfing – though I've done some boogie-boarding. But there's nothing quite like the feeling of the water against your skin.

A couple of things to remember.

Bodysurfing in a two-piece is hazardous. Sand in top. Sand in bottom. Top and bottom ending up in places other than where they belong…(a Janet Jackson wardrobe "malfunction" perhaps??)

And though wave-riding is a lot of fun, wave-riding-ending is a bit trickier.

You see, sometimes the end of a great ride is just perfect – a slowing, gentle glide into shallow waters. Bathing suit in place, and you're up and ready to go again.

But other times, it's not so great.

Because sometimes the shoreline has eroded. And that means a rather steep drop-off when you hit the shallow water. Now, you can try to *kick out* on your wave before you get to The Point of No Return. But sometimes you just can't…

Hello, sand…

Face crunch, skinned belly, scratched knees, mouthful of salt, bathing suit asunder.

I've had a few of those rough landings. They're survivable.

But there are two other water hazards that lurk out there in the waves. They are more dangerous. And I've experienced both.

No, I'm not talking sharks.

Sidenote here: When you live in Southern California, by the ocean, you just really don't think about sharks. Or you shouldn't. The odds are widely against you ever being attacked. And thinking about it just ruins the fun.

I was relatively shark-fear-free until I saw the movie, "Jaws." That just ruined it for me. Now I see sharks in my bathtub…

But I digress.

OK, the first hazard is wiping out. This happens when you're waiting for a good wave to come. And you have to dive under the other waves to avoid being crunched by them when they crest and break.

The secret is to dive deep, and then pop up.

In theory, and in practice, this works great. WHEN you're able to reach the wave BEFORE it breaks. Sometimes that doesn't work out so good. Then the wave crashes on you and you are tossed and turned underwater like you're in a washing machine. No up. No down. Am I ever going to surface again?

Sometimes surfacing involves a little salt-and-sand cocktail, but I've never gotten hurt.

The other hazard is far more dangerous. It has actually killed people. It's called a riptide. Here it is defined:

A rip current, commonly referred to as a rip tide, is a strong channel of water flowing seaward from near the shore, typically through the surf line.

I got caught in a small riptide once. I thought I was going to drown.

I'd been bodysurfing for a while, and I was tired. Time to come into shore. Except the waves kept coming, and I had to keep swimming out to them to avoid getting wiped out. I got past where I could touch the sand. After diving under wave after wave, I was exhausted. I decided to swim back to shore, even if I wiped out a few times on the way back.

Except now I couldn’t swim back to shore. I felt myself being pulled away. Out to sea. I got really, really scared. I started waving my hands at my family who were sitting on shore. My dad waved back. Uh yeah, hi Dad…

I was bobbing like a water-logged cork.

Finally, my cousin figured out that I was in trouble. She swam out and placed herself between the oncoming waves and me. She pushed and shoved me toward shore. We both wiped out several times, but we both made it in.

I have since learned that if you get caught in a riptide, you must not fight against the current. You have to swim with it, out to sea, until its grip releases you. Counterintuitive, I know – but that's the way to do it.

So, where am I going with this?

Well, you know there's a God lesson in here.

The thing is this – I've had God niggling around in my heart lately about a possible speaking opportunity that I passed up last year. But, He's really been pressing it into my spirit the last few weeks.

But, I feel confused.

You see, as soon as I felt like I had "decided" to pursue this, "The Hub" broke his ankle.

OK yes, I do tend to see *spiritual signs* behind everything that happens to me. Maybe that's a good thing, maybe it's not. But my husband's accident began to make me wonder. After all, this speaking opportunity involves giving my testimony – and the last time I had a speaking engagement to tell my story – I got cancelled.

So, here I am – another chance that I feel God is laying on my heart. I say *YES!* in my heart. And boom! Something bad happens.

Is it the devil trying to stop me? Is God telling me NOT to pursue this? Or is this just one-of-those-life-kind of things?

See, confused.

So, I wake up in the middle of the night on Friday, and I can't get back to sleep. I feel like I've wiped out on one of those waves. I’m tossing and turning. I'm caught in a riptide of thoughts and feelings.

I'm drowning here, Lord.

"But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." (James 1:6, NASB)

Yeah.

So, I prayed. I prayed BIG.

"Lord, I'm believing that You ARE going to give me an answer tomorrow through Your Word. I'm throwing this out there like a Gideon fleece, and I'm claiming Your sure response. Thank you."

I went to sleep.

Here's what I read the next morning:

"But as for me, I am filled with power – with the Spirit of the LORD…For the LORD'S teaching will go out…his word will go out…They will be like dew sent by the LORD or like rain falling on the grass, which no one can hold back and no one can restrain." (Micah 3:8, 4:2, 5:7)

I know.

I cried.

And, as if that wasn't enough, I opened my email about an hour later, and here was the subject matter of the latest email sent to me (from Women of Faith, oddly enough):

Jesus is calling – are you listening?

I know.

So, please pray for me as I pursue this opportunity. I'm scared of wiping out. I'm tired and don't feel like swimming. I'm afraid of crashing into the shore. I'm even a little worried about losing my bathing suit…

But, what concerns me the most? Not hearing and obeying my Lord.

And I think He's been pretty clear on this one.

Sometimes following Him is counterintuitive.

So, contrary to what I might feel like, I'm swimming with the current, even though it's taking me into deeper waters.

It's OK –

The One Who Calmed the Sea and Walked on Water has placed Himself between the oncoming waves and me…

Are you being tossed by a decision?

Please come on over to Joan's

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"