Praying for Change

Our church has taken on a position I have never seen before. It is to do everything led by prayer. What has happened? People are just having tons of troubles, but faith is growing like crazy. I have never been involved in anything like this. One thing that stands out to me is how different things are moving. No longer do we have committees to decide actions. We have prayer sessions. All over our church great changes are happening. I am just excited as I see God answer things we are praying about. People are coming together. Good choices are being made and our church is growing.



Today, keep me in prayer.

Testimonies

Today in church we had testimonies. I was so touched and saw so many people moved. It is exciting to see peoples lives truly changed and then to hear them give God the glory.

I think an amazing thing in my church is that the people are simple, humble but in praise. I am thankful also that my pastor is open minded and kind hearted. I suggested testimonies a few months ago. He sort of reacted as in "ugh". I am sure he has been in many testimony services where the testimonies are not sincere, long and by the same people. But his open minded heart was willing to try. And the results today were amazing!

Today, I am thankful for a pastor which listens. A church family that truly is in praise. And that I too have a testimony of faith. Thank you Jesus!

Half Full

Seeing a glass of water half full; the question is asked, "How do you see this glass?". If you answer that you see it half empty it is supposed to indicate a negative attitude. If you see it half full, a positive attitude.

I was thinking about that. I think as Christians we have so many choices. We can look at life that way too. When we run into difficulty, do we think that God is unfair or rather that He is working with us.

I watched a program about specialty police officers. The very first meeting with the officers, by the trainers, they are verbally abused. The reason is that the trainer wants the men to know how to handle pressure. If they do, later their lives may be saved. Only the best officers go under such training. And, they are put through exercises that burn, cut and strain every muscle. This equips them for real problems they face.

When difficulties come to Christians, instead of running in fear: perhaps we can praise God, he sees we are ready for the special service he has before us. Our road may not be easy, smooth or care free. Jesus' life wasn't either. When we go through difficulties we become more like Jesus.

A Tale of Two Aunts

I have two aunts that have really impacted my life. They were really different. One aunt was totally non-conventional. She was loud, bold and tons of fun. I knew time spent with her was always an adventure. The other aunt was precise and well groomed. She was intellectual. She loved learning and taught me to always look at life for learning. She was the one that was there when family was in crisis. She knew exactly what to do, and she did it. These women so enriched my life. In me you will see them. I love life, am loud and love adventure. But in my other corner of life I love learning and service.

I want to be able to share the gifts my aunts so generously gave to me. Thanks to my dear Aunts. I hope that I may see them in eternity, for they mean so much to me.

Seeing Jesus Around Me

In my church is a woman that always gives and gives. She is shy and few people know the things she does on the side to help others, but I have heard of little things she does and I am always touched. Another woman in my church is always secretly paying for gifts for those in need. And another friend is the one that is the secret woman with the truck. She shows up when you have to move. One of my male friends came to talk with me when he felt I needed some encouragement about my small attendance in the Women's Group I serve. Another male friend showed up with a vacuum cleaner when he heard my vacuum was not running.

What do these people have in common? Unselfish hearts. I feel honored to know about each of these friends. Isn't that the perfect example of what a true Christian should be? Unselfish, humble and quietly doing what God calls for. They are not waving flags of their service, they just see a job that needs doing, they do it, and that is it. Thank you servants. You have shown me Jesus in your acts of kindness.

"The Pile"

This is terrible to admit but I worked this week on a pile of papers that have set for eight months on my desk. Yes, that is right, eight months. My phone rings a lot, I run a lot and that pile of paper work was really depressing me- but it was one thing that did not have to be done and wasn't. Seeing that pile grow though made me feel as if my whole world was out of control and yet I did not tackle it, I simply added to it.

Now that the pile has finally been tackled. I feel relieved. I am thinking about that in other areas too. How many times do I keep bad habits in my life. Too busy or lazy to tackle what needs to be done. While I rationalize my bad habits as not really mattering, they do. They suck the life right out of me. Sin is that way too. Some how we imagine that transgression is good, but the results are death. It is with compassion God asks us to turn from sin. When we do, we are free. And I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father that knows what's best for me.

Just Rest

Sabbath. I was researching the word sabbath. It means, rest. Recently I had an unusual thing happen. I was so worn out, depressed and worried that my emotions were taking me over the edge. Unable to sleep well for over a month, pressures of life etc. had me a mess.



One morning I woke up and just prayed, and thought for two hours. "God, I am a wreck. I can't sleep. I have too many jobs. And, I want to help others but I am sinking with the ship. I am afraid." As I rested and thought time gently passed. Then I felt God telling me my life needed rest, a deep rest. I was to take time off, rearrange my schedule. Tackle only the things that needed to be done, but in an order that made sense. Call and cancel appointments not necessary. Put time in my schedule for resting. Care for myself.



It was not easy. Some phone calls I did not want to make. Would people be angry? What about things not done? But I moved forward. I made one call and the caller told me she was in the same boat. She too needed a break. One person became angry. How could I let her down? I didn't. I had to step back and realize she had unrealistic expectations of me. I had to see that she "had the problem". Anyone deserves a break sometime. I volunteer and am on disability. She knew that, and being too tired raises this illness. I had to pray and think. I had to pray for my friend. She too, is living in an over stressed world. But, I did take my week in a different direction. The result? I feel rested again. My fear level is down. My depression lifted and I am ready to take on life again.



What a mighty God, filled with compassion that sometimes just says, "Rest". Thank you Jesus for caring enough to care even about an over worked, frazzled girl to busy to take care of herself. Thank you.

________ YOU!

_________ YOU, __________ Jesus, __________ Prayer Meeting!

My caller hung up the phone. I had done nothing except ask her if she wanted a ride. Earlier she had told me that she wanted a ride and I was trying to confirm she still needed a ride. It was a strange thing. I felt no anger at this person for calling me ugly names. I felt compassion. I realized she, most likely, had no idea of what she was even saying. In the middle of her addiction she was lashing out life. I was not the issue at all. She is addicted to the bottle, and I am addicted to the fork.

I think Jesus always looked towards us with compassion. We may get angry, swear, but He sees the deep inside. With tenderness He wants to reach out and touch us. Love us back to health. Today, may I love as Jesus does.

Feeling Crabby

Recently I have been an emotional roller coaster. I am agitated, depressed and anxious. I feel taken advantage of and really don't want to do anything. But....that's just life. I understand where these things are coming from. I am in lots of on going pressure due to the economy. God has faithfully helped us pay our bills, but the pressure still builds up and spills out into other areas.

Now is the time I need to be especially careful. I think Christian's need to walk a tighter rope. If I am feeling depressed, anxious and crabby; I need to be honest with myself and others. But I also need to accept responsibility and do everything I can to remain kind, compassionate and Christ like. We, as Christians, have real emotions: sometimes good, sometimes bad; but it is what we do with them that shows our real colors.

A Baby

I have been babysitting my grand daughter for two days. She is so sweet and smiles all the time. I understand why God tells us to be like children. They just love and love and love. They trust that you will care for them, and are easy to forgive.

Wear My Green

Today is Saint Patrick's Day. Saint Patrick is honored for taking the gospel to Ireland. He was of royalty but gave up his position to take the gospel to Ireland. So great was his love for God and man that today we still remember to celebrate.

I imagine that if Saint Patrick were here today he would blush at all the honor. He lived in poverty spreading his faith. That is the kind of faith I want. I am so in love for God that I would give everything up for it. Today, may I find a path like Saint Patrick. I wear my green to remember a man that lived what he believed, and that is why I will honor him.

Unified for a Purpose

If you have ever been on a board meeting you will experience people in both their best and worst. Sometimes it seems people's real colors show up behind closed doors. Recently I have been in two board meetings. Each meeting a person has just pushed my buttons.

When I was younger I would have fused and fumed for days. But, I am realizing more and more that I do have a choice. I can chose to see the good in the person or dwell on the short coming. A board member is there for a purpose. The meetings I attend are usually packed with good willed people. Of course they are passionate about what they feel. They are volunteers and giving their time to something they feel is very important.

When I feel critical of comments or behavior of others, maybe I need to take the postition that Jesus says: Pray for my enemies. That means keeping a heart of compassion, realizing that no one is perfect including myself. And, ultimately the best we all can do is to work as a team- forgetting differences and unifying for the good of the cause.

A Sample of Life

I was at a board meeting last night. One member lashed out at my minutes of the meeting. He was critical and harsh. I got angry. My eyes filled with tears and I wanted to bolt out of the meeting. I didn't need this. I was a volunteer. If he didn't like the way I took my notes; do it himself. But, after the meeting got started I realized this man simply was a perfectionist trying to get everything perfect. I imagine he has a big heart, and simply wanted things done his way.

His remarks were accurate. My minutes were not detailed enough. But, what he did not know, was that I knew that also. I had taken my minutes to the Director of the program, asked her to help me fill in the blank areas; and then print the notes. Instead she simply printed the notes.

After the meeting another board member came and apologized to me. He, too, was offended. But when it was all said, our meeting was complete. We finished the job and the organization continues.

I think that this meeting was an example of what Christian's should and should not do. We should not embarrass others. We should be kind, and we need to keep our focus. Small matters taken out of control, can cause big results. If I had lost my temper and walked out, they would have lost the only secretary they have had in three years. If I had pointed out the fact the director was given the responsibility of proof reading and did not do it: blame would have continued and hurt feelings mounted.

God never puts us where we should not be. I was there because this organization does a good work. I am a better person observing others. I hope to be the encourager that I met at the end of the meeting. He did the work I imagine Jesus would do. He served in compassion and did his work. May I always serve as an encourager.

A Little Boy

I do not understand God sometimes. Many times. Yet, I believe in him.

Recently I had been thinking a lot about my son. He is adopted and came with lots of baggage. There were never days when he got it right and the entire time I was raising him I can't remember one "good day". Often I wondered why God put that little boy in our home. Many nights I stayed awake praying, or crying. There seemed no magic button that cured his problems and we spent thousands of dollars, endless hours and untold tears for our son. Yet, it seemed he was still the same crazy and mixed up child. We even had him anointed, but he remained the same.

Yesterday my son's boss told us he is the best employee he has had in 11 years. My son is living on his own and working; two things I was told would never happen. And my son is turning out to be a wonder and loving child. What made the difference? I am not sure. But he is different and I am very proud of him.

Years ago when I prayed that God would give us the right child to adopt, he answered. And when I was raising him God saw the "after" my son would become. I think it is the same way with his vision of us. Often we humans see others as totally off base. God sees us as "afters". He works with us and brings out the best in us. That is a mighty God!

Honest Effort

"Linda, I want to get all the facts just right so I can present things honestly."

"Mom, I just hit a pole in the apartment: it put a big dent in it. Should I tell my landlord or drive away."

These are comments recently said to me by people in my life. I think it is when we are not thinking anyone is looking that our ethics should be the brightest. I believe that Christians need to have the high standards that remain high regardless of who is looking. I am troubled when a Christian does not live his/her religion in the "real" world. It is not always easy. Many times I am faced with challenges of ethics. Sometimes I blow it, but other times I walk the way I believe I should walk. For me: I want to be a woman of integrity. If I say it: do it.

Jesus Was Real

I am reading an interesting book now. It tells about a pastor and he honestly admits his feelings of worthlessness and failure. What appeals to me is the honesty. I really don't know where this book is going to go but I like the honest presentation. I think that sometimes we, Christians, can hide under false presentations. From guilt, or shame we say things that really are not true. We feel ashamed to admit doubts, or fears so we pretend all is well with us.

Jesus was real. He let us see himself with all emotions. I appreciate that. He wept, became angry and he shared joy. If he was real, then so can I be real. I don't believe that I need to pretend I am someone I am not. Jesus sees it all, so why not be who I really am and then trust that God can use my emotions the way he wants to use them.

Like Children

It occurs to me sometimes we make our faith just too difficult. When Jesus said we were to be as little children I am learning what that means.

Children are sharing, forgiving, fresh and honest. What a great model.

Let's just love our world as children, because that is how Jesus does it.

Feed My Sheep

My women's group was to meet and I simply had nothing to present. I was concerned because my guide book was at another location and I would have to make due on what I could put together. So in the night I just kept praying. "God what should I present?"



"Feed my sheep", was the only answer I got. The more I prayed the more the same message kept returning to me. OK then, that is what I would have to do. I got up early and started cooking. Pumpkin muffins, with bits of nuts and dried fruit pieces, nuts, juice and fresh fruit.

Everything was ready and I felt a bit foolish. What would this accomplish? I just kept praying, and did come up with a little program but nothing too impressive in my mind.



7:30 came around and I was off to my woman's group. The women's eyes glowed as they entered. "What is this?", they asked. Then woman after woman shared how hunger she had been. They ate and talked. We shared about our faith and learned of each person.



Not very impressive I thought. But then a little email came in my box. One member expressed how touched she was with my simple act of kindness. Sometimes we forget the simplest act of love is a gift from God. Today may I be filled with love.

Laughing and Rejoicing.

We met with several couples last night as we usually do on Tuesday nights. The group studies marriage and discusses what will help in making the marriages better. Last night was a riot! We laughed, joked and had a great time. Our discussion was on the differences of communicating between genders.

I think God loves is when we laugh, have a good time and enjoy others. He was very social. I always feel sad when a Christians shows Christians as critical, uncaring or unhappy people. We need to be filled with joy; love others and enjoy life. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Is what the Bible says. Rejoicing and Gladness should be part of all people's lives but especially the Christian as we have so much to rejoice about. We have a God that left heaven for us. We have the promise never to go through life alone. And we have the promise He is coming back. So today, I am rejoicing.

Where My Name Is

Recently at my church there has been talk about landscaping that would put peoples names on stones when they donate. That just rubs me wrong. It seems it should be out of the heart we give, not so we can have our names for people to remember us. Jesus left no stones. Even his cross, we don't know where it is.

It seems to me that what needs to be remembered about a person is the impact they have made on those around them. A parent leaves his children. A boss leaves his employees. A grand parent leaves his grandchildren. Our daily lives leave an impact on the future.

I am not in judgement of those that want to leave a stone with their names on it. But for me, my name is written in the book of life; that's good enough for me.

A Cheerful Giver

All month I have been working hard to save a bit of money for a fun project. It was in my wallet waiting to be deposited in an account today. I dreamed about the tiny savings that was growing for some treat in the future.

At church someone sat beside me. She has had a very hard time, and her husband is too ill to work. "Give her your money Linda. She needs it", God said.

But, God I have been saving this money. I don't want to give it up.

"Linda, give them the money."

"God, I want to save for a trip."

"Linda, you need to be unselfish. Give them the money. They need it."

After what seemed a long time I pulled my hand open and gave the woman my money. Later she cried and told me she was so thankful for such a good friend. I was glad I could help but I still was whimpering about my lost funds. I shared my story with my pastor, for a laugh, at my short development as a Christian. He then shared with me a text about God providing for what we give. Sure, that's cute; I thought, but figured my money was gone.

Then my husband did our taxes yesterday, again. We were thrilled to get any tax return and my husband refigured our taxes one more time. We shorted ourselves 725.00. I gave 25 at church. Our over look was 700.00 more. I am humbled. God knew we had money coming I did not.

Next time I hope I open my heart a bit more. God knows and cares for all of his children. I need to listen and obey, without a worry. For God loves a cheerful giver.

What I Want

I was shopping and just felt a great amount of love from God. "God, that's what I want; to love the way you do. Please show me how to love like that." Five minutes later I heard my name, "Hi Linda". I looked up to see a woman that 15 years ago cost me my job by gossip. Forgiving her has not been easy or complete. But when I saw her my heart completely yielded up the anger I had inside. I wondered how long she had carried guilt for what she had done, and the same she felt when she saw me. It was totally "a God thing" when I was able to release her to God and his love, to walk away at peace.

God sometimes has a good sense of humor, and worked quickly with my prayer. What an awesome God.