Don't Worry

Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:27 NLT

This is one of my favorite texts, and I came across it in my reading. Isn't it great to know that God only asks us to think about one day. Of course we need to plan, but we are to take each day as that day alone. God does not want us worrying about mistakes of the past or future. He tells us that our job is to think of just today. Today- I have shelter. Today- I have food. Today-I have friends. Today- I have love. It makes life so much easier, thinking of just today. I am thankful for this verse.

My Yard

I am working in my yard. I don't have a big yard; but it is big enough that it takes lots of work. We are busy planting flowers and other things. As my yard takes on a new look I realize that often we do not change because we see no vision of what could be.

God has a vision for us, and he is trying to groom us to be lovely. It is with patience that he works to get us to the place he wants.

For today: may I be able to be willing to have God make me into something lovely.

Worn Out

At two in the morning I woke up tossing and nervously thinking out things in our life. Our business is full of changes right now and those changes aggravate my anxiety disorder. The more I don't want to think about things- often the more I do. So as I am in bed my thoughts are rushed with too much to think of in my life. Soon I am overwhelmed and feeling sick: worrying to death.

Today, I was worn out:depressed and feeling overwhelmed. But then I called a friend. I let her in on my terrifying heart, and she spent most of the day with me. Her love and care made my day end in peace.

This, to me, is Christianity in action: giving up self for others, encouraging and lifting up the tired and worn.

Today: May I remember to lift up others who also are tossing and turning in life; and be ready to change my plans to help others.

LIttle Red Box

My aunt sent me the most wonderful little red box. It is decorated with stones, and a gold band: it looks like it has traveled from a far away land. I love it, but the compartment inside is small. I wondered what to put in that little box. And then I thought of my family. I am going to put the names of my family inside. That way I can have a symbol of people dear to me, and lift them in prayer. While I don't believe prayers in a box do much, I do believe that love does. And the love of my aunt needs to be honored. When I look on my red box, I will remember her; and be in prayer for all those I love...including my dear, sweet aunt.

God puts us in his heart, because we are dear to him.

Bless Those Hurting

Today I spent time with a charming young woman which is struggling to over come a life of abuse; she is a drug addict which is a prisoner of her addiction. My heart moves with compassion. I see the good she does; but she sees her self as worthless. Yes, she has made some foolish mistakes and consistently bad choices. Yet, this young woman has no family to support her in life. And I have seen her get up time, and time again. I admire her, for not giving up and for keep getting up.

God bless those hurting, which fall; but still get up.

Wind and Sand

I was raised in an area with lots of wind. Sometimes that wind was so chilling and felt miserable. When it was really bad was when you walked against it. My community was on a beach coast; so that wind, carried lots of sand. The sand mixed with the wind worked like sand paper and the skin hurt as pebbles buffed the flesh.

Sometimes, we as Christians, also walk against opposition. We may have Satan pushing against our well intentions; and we may feel as if lie is hopeless. We question our own sincerity when we measure our intentions; against our actions. But keep moving. Because as we move forward we will meet our goals.

For today: May I remember that no one said it would be easy. But I will make the goal.

Walking in the Desert

When the Israelites were walking in the desert I imagine they felt very frustrated, angry and disappointed. Where was their God anyway? And what about his promise to deliver them?

I feel that way sometimes. Where is God in my life? And where is his deliverance? My conclusion is he is just like he was with the Israelites. He is walking with me. He never left the Israelities, but patiently went through the desert with them.

Sometimes, I too feel like I walk big circles; my life seems to go no where and I feel overwhelmed. But God is in control and he is walking with me. I just need to be patient and wait for him to do the leading- instead of joining the camp of grumblers. When I learn to trust him I have less stress and more clear vission of what I am to do and where I am to go.

For today: May I have faith to trust God is still leading, and may I be willing to walk as he leads.

Christian Doll

In the night I had a nightmare that I was a "Christian Doll" and the manufacturer looked at me with disgust and said,"You are a lie. You don't do the things you say you will and you represent my company wrong." She glared at me as she held me in her hand.

I woke up and felt sick. Am a fake Christian? Sometimes I feel like it. I want to be loving, and Christ like; but find I am angry, bitter and have very little faith. I question if I am a fake, and wonder why I don't live in the standard I see for myself.

I admit, I am certainly not a "Good Christian" many times. But Christianity is a changing of the heart. It is God's job to change my heart. He is responsible for the changing; and I am responsible for asking him to do that, and to be willing to let him get to work.

Today: I invite God to remake this messed up Christian Doll, because I want a character like God the maker.

Let Me Have Strength

A friend wrote me he no longer would be attending. After trying church for 8 times, no one had reached out to him in friendship. My heart sank, that fellowship had not been extended to my friend; but sadness filled me as well. How has it become so difficult for Christian's today to minister? We often are so busy, we have a hard time caring for family; and find it nearly impossible to reach out of our own world. I stand guilty of not having the energy of drive to meet all the needs I see around me.

For today: God let me have strength to reach a bit farther to the hurting.

Simple Faith

I was in trouble. I was living alone with our children. My husband worked in another state and I was trying to manage my work, moving and learning a new job. In the fast pace of my life, for three weeks I had not been able to make much of an impact on unpacking my boxes. The children and I had paths we went through to get to school and work.

I was a teacher in a small Christian school and one of the parents heard about my situation. On Sunday up she pulled with her two boys. "I am here to help you. You need help." Out here two boys poured. She came in and worked for the whole day being helping me unpack. At the end of the day; I had made a new friend in the community, and took them out to pizza to say thanks.

Today-15 years later we remain friends. This woman lived her simple faith: do good to others, and follow God.

May I be such a friend!

Addict to Food

I am an addict to food. I pray to stop eating- but I am not very successful. For soon after I pray: I fall. Does this mean God is not listening? I don't believe so. Sometimes God, I believe, has other plans. We pray and expect instant results. God never leaves a prayer unanswered that is prayed for a humble heart. But, God often has many tasks to accomplish in those prayers.

Maybe, as I struggle I also learn to be humble and learn to be patient with other addicts. Perhaps he wants me dependent on him, while I still am trying to do things on my terms.

Today, I lost the battle to my addiction. I am sorry; but I believe God is still listening and still working and still answers prayer.

Plant Seeds

If a farmer does not plant seeds and yet "prays" for a good crop: I think that is presumptuous. God gave the field and he provides the seed: but he also expects the labor.

Never did Jesus do things half way. I believe that God does bless us and he answers our prayers, but when we pray without doing the work needed; I think often God let's us reap the results of our half labors.

A friend made a bad business decision without doing the research. He simply "prayed about it". Prayer is good- but if his business fails: who will take responsibility for it? Will God receive the blame for failing my friend? I hope not. It is easy to cast our responsibilities on God. But, when God supplies the materials for success: he needs us to use them. Then we can celebrate with God for his abundance.

Tired and Worn

I was in a restaurant and saw one of my old college professors. She looked worn out and actually a bit ridiculous. At about age 60 she had dye in her hair, and was trying to dress more like a teenager. I reflected on her; and what she had shared with our class.

She had been divorced. In class she would share, with child like joy, about her "new" boyfriend. That was five years ago. Today she was alone. I wondered if things had fallen through; and she was still looking for something. She looked tired, lonely and like a person without purpose. I was moved with compassion for her.

I am thankful today. I am happily married, I feel peaceful with life. And, though I have problems too: I have a contentment inside. This contentment comes from my faith in God and belief that he is in control.

15 and Pregnant

I saw a girl about 15 that was pregnant. I thought about her future and about the fact our culture has sold young people so many lies. When sex before marriage was shunned, and morality was in tact we did not see young girls with these difficult choices. Girls had boundaries and those boundaries kept them safe.

I feel the same way with faith and the laws God asks us to obey. They are not for trapping us into some heavy legalistic rules; they are to help us not suffer.

I wish we, as Christians, would stand up for these moral laws more. Where is our obedience and self control?

Today, may I walk a path of morality and trust in God.

Distorted View

As I was swimming I noticed the bottom of the pool kept moving. What? How can that be? Well it really did not- I was watching the pool bottom through a small wave before me. This reminded me of how we sometimes see God and others- often distorted; and out of focus.

We have a way to see God clearer: prayer and bible study.

Let us be careful to view both God and mankind with love and care. Our vision may be changed through our own view of life. God is the only one which really sees all things clearly.

For today: May I look to God to see others, and may I look for a clear view of God through bible study and prayer.

The Goal

I think that Jesus had a great gift that is often never mentioned: he always stayed focused on the goal of living 100% as his father had asked him to do. By keeping his eye on the final goal he never left the plan he set out to meet.

Isn't it a great feeling when we have set a goal and reach it. Sometimes that means staying from temporary pleasures for long term satisfaction.

My goal is to live as a Christian. I may fall off of the track at times; but if I keep my view on the goal of a Godly life and relationship with Christ; my life will continue to change.

So for today, my goal is to be a Godly, Christian woman.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day. This is a time to remember all of the unselfish things the mother's have done for us. I am humbled to have a godly mother; which is constantly serving others with a generous heart. I am also honored to have other "mothers" which have molded me with their values and love.

Today-we take time to appreciate all the great things mothers do. Thank you mother's of today; you make the future world of tomorrow. And, as you consider your job: know you are changing history. God has blessed you with the power to change a world. God bless you!

Nobody

Have you ever felt like you were a "nobody". I think it is a trap Satan can use to make us think we are no one; but it is a trap. We have been valued as children of God. God uses nobodys in powerful ways. Peter: fisherman. David: Sheppard boy. Dorcas: seamstress. Even Jesus would have been considered a "nobody". He had not title, no job: nobodys of this world have changed the world.

When you feel you have nothing to offer, because you are a nobody- press on in faith and move. Keep your eyes on Jesus and do the work in front of you. Perhaps God will use you to make history, and if you do not make history: you will be used to better the world. You are a child of a king, and that is impressive.

Little 26 Year Old

Tomorrow our friend is getting married. We are so happy for her. She has a hard life. She has little mental abilities and survives by living in desperate situations. I have no doubt her body has been her income many times. But, she has stolen the hearts of many people in our church. She functions on the level of a little six year old. And when she stumbled into our church, it was a transition for all of us. Often she smelled so bad. Sometimes she came with her clothes on inside out-but did not know it. Yet, her hard work to do right, her pride in doing basic things; have won our hearts.

As I see her take the steps to get married I rejoice with her. She is the church's girl. I have watched as women have joined together to help this "little" 26 year old survive. One woman teaches her basic life skills, another woman helps her get medical help, another minsters to her by spending time with her. Another helps her get to appointments. Here is true Christianity: doing what Jesus would do- caring for the helpless.

Today, we rejoice with our girl. We have grown to love her. And we share in her joy as someone vows to love her for better or worse.

Appreciation

Recently I have been thinking about the fact I have been to some wedding and showers lately and no one seems to remember to ever send out thank you notes. It may sound cheep, but I expect a Thank You note when I give a gift at a shower or wedding. When they do not: I feel angry, and irritated. It is not the note but the lack of appreciation I feel.

Some people tell me it does not matter. I think it does. People need to remember to be appreciative and when they are not- it shows a lack of concern and courtesy. I have been thinking about myself, and God in that area. When he showers me with blessings. Do I take the time to thank him? Or am I so self absorbed that I think he owes me? I hope I show gratitude. Because I do appreciate so many things about my relationship with God, and I want to be a person to be appreciative.

Choice for God

I can not have cookies, cake or any kind of bakery items in my home. The reason is that I will eat them, then eat them, then eat them. I don't put the limits I need on these kinds of things. I am a food addict and know it. So they are not usually here.

I think it is the same way with my faith. I believe that we need to set boundaries for what we do. Do we surround ourselves with items that will build us up or down. What we do, view and use our time on worthwhile?

Some people say "we are saved by grace". Amen to that. But as we are still children of a king, and kingly children have responsibilities. Praise God for the right to have choice. May I use my choice power for God.

Change for God's Glory

Recently I have noticed that I am making many changes in my life. Goals I set for myself are being accomplished and I am happy to be moving forward in more areas.

I think the same applies to our Christian experience. We have so many choices. When we make plans involving God and our faith; our lives change. These changes often bring great personal satisfaction and glory to God.

Today- may I change for God's glory.

Coming Home

At Christmas our son stood us up. I was very upset and after much prayer decided that it was time to stop trying to reach out to our son. This was a very difficult choice. He is adopted out of a drug home, and has always been a hard child to raise. When he stood us up I prayed and believed it was time to let go- so I have little contact with him since then. That has been very difficult because my son has special needs, and I knew he was in lots of trouble. But daily I prayed for him, and his family. Recently I wanted to call him because I knew that he was in need- but I believed God told me to wait on God. So instead of calling I kept praying.

Then the miracle happened. Our son showed up on our door step yesterday. This was a victory for good. My son had to realize the need of family; and came home to start fresh.

I thank God for guidance on a daily basis.

Pick Up What is Nearest

When I was a girl we had a big problem with ants. It seemed that we were forever trying to get rid of them. One morning I went to the kitchen and saw a black line walking up our wall. That moving line had a huge piece of meat which it carried.

I watched in amazement as a piece of meat moved up the wall. It occurred to me today, we as Christians also have that chance- to do the impossible if we will work together.

The ant did not say, "Hey, I have the biggest part!" Each ant picked up the part near its self and worked with those around it to do a job.

When we see brothers struggling over a load they must carry. Let's just pick up what is near us and help them in their task. Then together we can accomplish what appears impossible.

The Finger

Today someone "gave me the finger" for not switching lanes quicker than the person behind me liked. He was a young man so in a rush that he could not wait for me to merge.

I just smiled and prayed for him as he passed me. I had compassion for him as he made life too fast; and left a trail of rude behavior. Unfortunately, I too, have given in to rude behavior too many times in my life. And, I don't have a bumper sticker telling others of my faith. If my actions do not speak kindness and love; I don't want my bumper sticker causing God shame.

Lunch With a Friend

My friend and I were having lunch. She was so excited. She had come home from a convention where the speaker shared his faith, and she caught the fire. Then she casually mentioned that Satan was also aware of her new faith- and attacking her. She told me how her business could be in terrible trouble, and had the potential to fold. "But, it does not matter. It's God's and he can do what he wants with it". She casually went on about life. I listened in awe of my friend. For her business to fail would mean she probably would lose her home and the comfortable life she and her husband had worked so hard to obtain.

That is faith in action. This is a faith I admire and is like Jesus requests. He asks for faith of a child. A child rarely worries about provisions. The child just knows her parents will provide. I am touched by this spiritual lesson to me. Oh for personal faith!

Thank You Mrs. Marsh

I am reading about Florence Nightingale; a world famous humanitarian. As I read I noticed a woman which influenced Miss Nightingale: Mrs. Marsh. Mrs. Marsh lost six children; yet was known for her cheerfulness, upbeat spirit and faith. She relied on the text:

In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

I thought a long time about Mrs. Marsh. Her faith was pure, and over 100 years later she is still influencing others. I gained faith reading of her faith. I thought deeply about how she never knew her faith would influence someone 100 years later.

My question to myself is; what impact will I leave this world? Will my simple actions change a life for the better; and does my faith impact others in this positive way? Thank you Mrs. Marsh for changing my life today.

An Honest Website

Recently I have been using a website Mvelopes.com to do my budgeting- OK, I'm horrid at budgeting. I need to have frequent flier miles for how many times I use the help line. I am so impressed with the quick service and honesty. How refreshing in a world of press buttons, and dishonest sales tactics. I have been feeling better all day today- just having a company actually consistently treat me with good service and honest answers.

In today's world, shouldn't we as Christians leave people with joy? Do they see us as nasty, critical or helpful and people of integrity. Do we take the time to listen or to do ask them to "push 2 for....".

I hope I can learn from my experience with this business. My caring can make a big difference to someone else. I have a choice to make people joyful or miserable. May I leave joy.