Posts filed under ‘Discipleship’
Whittled
My grandfather whittled.
My uncles whittle.
I…am whittled.
I remember the smell of the wood, the leathered hands, the showing of little knives, the display of projects…names drawn…which of the hundred of us would win this priced piece to be shared with family? Oh me! Pick me! And a few times, they did. Baskets woven. Little topiaries with painted stems. Wall Hangings.
Why whittle?
Why take a branch and begin to form it, smooth it, shape it…into something else? Why spend the time?
I don’t know.
I do know that working with your hands eases your mind.
I know that sharing something you’ve made is rewarding. Simple. Clarifying.
Faltering people. Skilled hands. Shaped gifts.
Lately, I feel whittled.
Things carved from my life that seemed the best things.
It continues.
On and on, seeming losses occur which I try to accept as part of the shaping. I try to allow the smoothing. I force rest under the pressure, the paring.
And there goes the other side…carved off.
And off.
And off.
I wonder if there will be anything left.
It doesn’t look very beautiful to me yet, I have to say. I just feel stripped bare sometimes. I am not grieving as if with no hope. I have hope…from year’s past with my Maker, I know there is something coming. Something lovely. Something more than I would have asked for. Yet, at the moment, there is “feeling” to manage.
Depression. Anger. Bitterness. Frustration.
Getting up in the morning and feeling low. Perspective dim.
Wondering
Asking
Waiting
Praying
Seeking
Worshipping
Refreshing
Carrying on
Low
Missing spring…
Not ready for it.
Still feeling very winter.
Thankful, yet stripped.
I could list the large events of stripping of the year, but I won’t. None of them alone has done me in. It’ s been the cummulative effect of all of it that is wearing on me. I wonder when the page will turn and when I will begin feeling the filling again rather than the empyting.
I wonder today if maybe it’s me. Trying to fill with a lot of things that while distracting (and that is something good), do not really FILL. Wondering if my habits are contributing to the problem. Or lack of habits. Wondering if I need to make some changes, get back into some disciplines, and find the filling.
I will try.
Lord, I need the filling. The joy overflowing. The sweetness of life. The knowledge that the enemy is not stealing from me in my down-ness. I want to possess the land you’ve given and not worry with what you’ve whittled. Such small things, really, in the grand scope of all you give.
Keep my focus on you, Lord.
My eyes, fixed on you.
Grace me to do what needs to be done, even in disciplines, or I will not get them done.
Moving forward…
Good News in the Morning
Domain: 4stepstogod.mobi
Name: XXXXXXX
City: XXXXXXXXXX
State: XXXXXXX
Residence: Guyana
Age: 18-25
Gender: Female
Tell us about your spiritual journey: I just prayed to receive Christ as my Savior for the first time
Comment/Question:
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Domain: 4stepstogod.mobi
Name: XXXXXXXXX
City: XXXXXXXX
State: XXXXXX
Residence: Qatar
Tell us about your spiritual journey: I just prayed to receive Christ as my Savior for the first time
Comment/Question:
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This morning, like most, I’m greeted by exciting news! Both of these decisions came by cell phone.
This morning, I will be the first, and perhaps the only, person to send a message saying, “Welcome to God’s kingdom! You’ve made the best decision of your life. I know I’ve never regretted it. Here are some tools…”
Praying about joining? You won’t regret it.
Here’s how:
They need to apply at GMOJoinUS.com (click on Volunteer then click the Application button at the bottom of the page).
If you would like to be part of my community after your four week training period:
On the application they are asked where they learned about this and they can put your name and say they want to be in your community. They are asked for two spiritual references, if you want, one can be you and one can be someone else.
Every community I’ve been part of (3-4 now) is great!
Thinking About It?
I hope that you will check into sharing your f*aith-walk here with people seeking around the world. The door is WIDE OPEN!
I cannot imagine another way, at this stage of my life, to go to Africa, Asia, all over the world. It is such a unique way to “go into all the world”. It’s an unbelievable opportunity for anyone who feels led, however, there are some hard questions as you sign on, asking you to be an authentic disciple, solid in your own walk and commitments before you join on.
Check out the post below for more details, don’t be afraid if God is leading. You won’t regret it. Ask me any question on your mind about it. I won’t try to talk you into it, but I will talk to you about it if you are interested.
Me, today? I’m painting. I just got the rollers washed out (for the millionth time, it seems) and it’s 1AM. I’m feeling snack-y, again. The smell of paint must bring it out of me. Felt God speaking to me, teaching me, tonight as I painted. I love the Holy Spirit in us who teaches us as we work–makes it such an intimate joy to work together.
Tonight’s thought as I paint: a strong desire for “one solid color”…nothing peeking through, sticking out, or overlapping. One. Only one. Covering all else until it is all we see is One and only One.
Whereby, I Interview Myself
You’ve asked some good questions about being an online volunteer M*ss*ionary. I’ll try to answer them:
EXAMPLE
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Domain: jesus2020.com
Name: XXXXXXXXXXx
City:XXXXXXXX
State: New York
Zipcode: 11715
Residence: USA
Age: 18-25
Gender: Male
Tell us about your spiritual journey: I just recommitted my life to Christ
Comment/Question: what was jesus’ life like?
i accepted god into my life since i was 12 and he has really helped me in life.
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They come from all over the world…amazing! Isn’t it?
Were you nervous at first? Yes. I was so nervous that I do something to mess up. I didn’t. And the staff is great at encouraging. It is one of the most fulfilling parts of my day.
When: Anytime. It is my “coffee time” most mornings or my bedtime wind-down time. I count it as part of my time with Jesus as I minister to and pray for others around the world with needs, questions, and concerns. As I talk with them, I review scriptures to send to them, applying them to people’s daily situations. Some respond, others do not.
Time: I’d say I generally answer an average of 10 per day, in about 10-20 minutes. But, you can give whatever time you think you can consistently give.
How do you know what to say? There are pre-form letters that come up for each person which you can modify to make it easy to get started. I use them often. or if I’m short on time.
Who writes in? All kinds of people.
What if I can’t answer a questions? There is a “reassign” button.
Do you get to win people to Christ? Yes. I’ve even led several people to Christ on-line this year, a great experience. Others are follow-ups to sites like www.4stepstoGod.com who’ve already made decisions by reading scriptures on-line and need to know how to live a full life in Christ to protect them from other teachings!
Do people across the world have computer access? Many do at the schools or workplaces, or pay for computer time. We are now also getting the gospel message to people by cell phone, responding by computer.
How long have you volunteered? About two years.
Are there language internationally? Many people around the world who use the net know English! Very cool.
How do you deal with other faiths? Answering them kindly, with truth and grace is better than fears of doing it wrong and not sharing Christ at all.
What do you do with questions you can’t answer? Seasoned volunteers are always available.
What if I need to be away from the computer? Take breaks! Your assignments can be re-assigned…but, I have answered emails on vacation…I love it that much. It’s refreshing to see people seeking Christ. Personally, I also don’t like to lose long relationships with people while I’m away…often they are at “critical points”, and I enjoy continuing to finish out what was started.
Who are community leaders? They are all great to work with. They answer any questions, send you emails and tips, encourage you in your own faith-walk, and visit the boards/forum to help answer questions. They make sure all is well with your group, and provide a level of oversight to make sure people are getting Bible-based advise and counsel.
Can you be my community leader? It’s possible right now. I’m working on my first group now–sign up before I get too full.
Do you receive training? Yes, initial and on-going by on-line videos, web conferences, and emails. But, it’s not time consuming. It’s efficient and to the point for when you have time.
Culture/differences: You are more alike than different if you both use the web. And, there are always training and tips to help you improve.
Email me or comment if you have other questions or are interested in trying it! It’s free evangelism opportunities. How can a person resist?
If you want to try it on your own, here’s the link: (you’ll need a good reference to sign up): Becoming an email volunteer. There are many who need Jesus…we need your skills and gifts!
Maggie
Focus on the Family: Resources You Need
One of the difficulties I’ve had in keeping up with Focus on the Family programs is that the content wasn’t often suitable either for my “young listeners” or my time did not line up for listening when they aired on Christian radio. I enjoy it, but just didn’t have time to plug it into my day.
Driving home from the store, I just got to listen to the first broadcast I’ve heard in a while! It had me tearful and I couldn’t get out of the van when I got home for fear of missing the end. And, ya’ll…it’s 20 degrees here today.
Pastor John MacArthur encouraged listeners to pray for our nation as he presented a sobering message which warned that God may abandon America to judgement. Dr. Dobson inserted part of the way through is speech, taped portions of a program that was presented to high school studentsin Bolder last April (2207) in Bolder. Teachers were given the opportunity to require students to attend this ”Conference on World Affairs” where speakers encourages high schoolers to experiment with all sorts of s*ex. They presented s*ex as a grand shopping experience of trial and error, and stated that it was not necessarily something of commitment. Just something you should enjoy and have fun with in a balanced and responsible way.
God deals one on one with us today in a way he did not in the Old Testament, but he also deals with us as a nation and societies. Our societies follow a typical path of desentigration, as laid out in the New Testament, and in this speech.
Moms, Dads: We have a responsibility to make sure that our kids know truth, and that truth is not defined for them by some other value system. We are to be peace-loving people. But, Dr. Dobson made a statement that sticks with me today, that said we have come to the end of the line when Godly wrath against sin can no longer be tolerated by a society. Pastor MacArther said that in Canada, pastors from the pulpit are now limited by their government as to what can be preached against as sin from the pulpit.
If you are interested in hearing the whole broadcast, it was well worth the time:
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Listen Now (part 1)- 1/14/2008
- Listen Now (part 2) 1/15/2008 (The one I heard today)
Their radio ministry shaped a large part of my teenage mentality toward family and ethics, and prepared me for what I’d encounter in college before I got there. I’m so thankful for their frank and sensitive, but forthright discussions. I’m thankful for the way they take a stand and help families. Check them out! Focus on the Family (www.fotf.org)
As a note: We also check all our family movies there at Plugged In. The reviews are well balanced, informative, and very helpful in choosing what’s appropriate for your kids at different age levels.
Who Do People Say That I Am?
I used to wonder this question often several years ago, “Who do people say that I am?” It echoed in my mind, one, because Jesus asked it so much (I was reading the gospels at the time), two, I was feeling insecure about it myself.
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What would people say about me? About…. my personality. {Whew.}
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My life. {Who AM I? Somebody PLEASE tell me}
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My choices. {Agh. Some great stuff…some blah stuff}.
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My reputation. {What IS reputation anyway? Complex, but I do have some major regrests sprickled here and there.}
…ike most of us alive.
Not that reputation and character don’t matter…they certainly do. But, those are built, they are earned. If you need to improve character rating, build, don’t focus on what people think of you in the meantime. You’ll wear yourself out like a yo-yo. If you have character, don’t worry so much what people think…God will take care of the rest. People who walk with Him, His ways, He promises to take care of. Believe it or play yo-yo with your own mind games on that one.
I wonder if PERHAPS Jesus asked his disciples this question because…and I’m just guessing here because it doesn’t say…but, perhaps the disciples needed to realize that what “the crowd” thought along the way was so fickle…something they would never be able to rely on or trust in or depend on. Perhaps he wanted them to take note.
But, think with me: would it change the way you relate to others if you knew “if they got it yet”? If they knew who you were in connection to God and who they could be? Namely, his child, adopted, of royal descent, destined for eternity, mapped for a life of purpose and high fulfillment right now.
Would it change the way you respond to people if you know they had not yet caught onto their newest romance… with Him? If you knew before they did that they were about to be captured irresistably by the lover of their soul?
Have you ever seen match-makers at work? They are giddy and intense, serious and playful, almost too much.
Can you be smug in your knowledge that they are about to be overtaken…if they will only let go?
Impressions…they can work for us, or against us, depending on our goal. The hair-line difference may be in the way we interpret our purpose. Are we setting ourselves up…or setting others up? Jesus was always about the other person. The master plan. The picture as a whole. He wasn’t just consumed with his own.
If you are struggling with this quesion, can I just take a minute here while you are reading to remind you right now that you are so covered by His grace? He loves you no matter who you are or what you’ve done. He died for you, knowing everything you would be and do…in advance. He MADE you. He IS MAKING you. He is building you WHILE he is intensely PROUD of you. He clothes you in white every day and asks you to wear it as your identity because of what he did FOR you, cleansing you completely, making you whole. And yeah, he ALREADY KNOWS you are about to get into. He has the world’s greatest laundrymat for your “dress whites”. Every day…he says, “Clothe yourself in white”. Start again. Fresh slate. Wow. I love it!
You are “free to fail” walking with Him! You are making a difference. You are enough in Him. You are blessed, chosen, called out to be fulfilled in Him. Go boldly with Him! Learn as you go!
Be faithful, available, and teachable…discipleship is the only place I know where it’s great to be F.A.T.!
Pat yourself on the back and keep walking strong!
So…my question to you is: how are you doing with this question: “Who do people say that I am?”
AND…one more thing: just in case you want to know–I think YOU ROCK!
Comment, or Email me
Will We Carry the Vision Well?
What was my legacy? I guess it was my parents, yes. Reading and listening to others, to older people, sitting in on adult classes, having mixed age Sunday School classes (even more in the past in our body than now)…all these have been helpful.
I’ll start with mom and dad. Yeah, they always taught us that tithing was one of the easiest ways to obey. We thanked God by giving 10% back. If we got a $2.00 birthday present, my dad used it as a math lesson. “Okay, so $2.00 is 200 pennies, do you know how we figure ten percent of that?” My head was already swimming.
What’s a percent anyway? Two hundred pennies? Why pennies? I’ve got two crisp dollar bills here, Pops! But, he was great at getting us to follow his math challenges. ”I’ll make it really easy for you. Now, run get me a sheet of paper and a pencil.” (My Dad was ALWAYS needing us to get him a pad of paper and a pencil).
“There’s a trick, it’s very easy, but not many grow-ups even know how to do this, so pay attention and you’ll be smarter than them. Watch closely now. Are you ready? You sure? Okay, here it is. I’m almost there: you just take this dot and move it two places to the left: $.200. Can you do that? Here…I’ll give you another problem. You try.”
“Now, go get me your offering envelope and we’ll fill it out now. Keep it in your Bible until Sunday and it will be ready for you. You might say, ‘if I have it left over I’ll give it then.’ But, there are NEVER leftovers when it comes to spending money, so we ALWAYS pull out our gift to God first. Let’s see: you need some cents! I’ll tell you what I’ll do. Go to my dresser and count out ten dimes for me. Do you know what a dime is? Okay. Come right back in one minute. Go!”
So, yes. Parents helping teaching you to tithe is invaluable, but adults can learn, too. God initially taught adults with no heritage of any spiritual help.
Hard times helps, too. When I was pre-teen, my Dad was laid off for up to a year at a time. At that time, our family had some giving commitments we tried to keep for as long as we could. But, when we couldn’t, my parents started a mental tally of what we “owed” toward our giving commitments. They were sad that they couldn’t keep it. They’d say, as soon as we can, we’ll just have to catch up a bit at a time. That will be good.
And sure enough, as soon as Dad had a steady income, we would try to start catching up. Ccommitments were important, especially when they were to God. He honors those who are faithful.
All our needs were always met, though times were hard sometimes for a family of 5. We were adaptable. Dad was constantly working on the car of the year. Sometimes the experiments didn’t go so well. A few times, we helped push the car through town. He was embarrassed, I think. But, we thought it was fun to help. Cutting wood for a wood burner with a blower he built to warm us in the winter. Collecting food in the summer. Using hand-me-downs and sewing skills, crafts for gifts EVERYONE always loved.
Solid people had taught my mom and dad (not formally tithers) that when you followed God’s way of managing your finances, your clothes lasted longer, things didn’t wear out, and God’s heart was soft toward you in your time of need. We exprienced that–when things got hard, we’d find cash in the mailbox to help us out. How people knew, I don’t know. My Dad always cried. He was humbled. My Mom bowed her head.
We didn’t often have the latest and greatest…but we had too many toys and closets full. We had art supplies and markers, jacks, cards, family games, all sorts of forts and paths and a concrete basement, a large house our parents built with their own hands, rollar skates, bikes, music. A brand new piano for me I still treasure today.
It rubbed off. When I was in high school, the church needed to enlarge the sanctuary, and they asked us all to give sacrificially what we could. I figured I could surely come up with $120-$180 a year, something like that. For a high school student with just odd jobs, that was a lot. I knew it was a drop in the bucket. I could have said that in light of the thousands upon thousands, it was nothing. But, I thought, that will pay for one light I’ll bet somewhere. A light we will need. Maybe two. So, I bought two lights in my mind, and I was proud of that.
As college years approached, my senior year rolled around, and with a heavy class load, tons of paperwork, travel, dating, and decisions…I didn’t work much. I’d have to work something else out whenever I did get a job to finish my commitment. After my first year of college, I ending up marrying a guy with no job. Eating and a place to stay was a bit of a priority.
But, there was a wedding. And there was cash. The Hub: “Before we spend any of this, what debts do we need to clear, do you have any personal debts we need to pay off?“ What a man. My mom and dad covered my first year of student loans to Georgetown, but I still had those “two lights” to pay for, I told him. He said, “We’ll clear that first then. let’s pay that off.” The body I was supporting paid off my “debt”! They helped me…without knowing it!
Now, I’m sure “my lights” weren’t the chandelier lights. I know this! I did my part, the simple thing I could. God needed all of us to give.
That little bit doesn’t help today? Wait! Remember how Nehemiah had a burning passion to rebuild the damaged and torn-down wall of Jeruselem? At that time, everybody repaired the part by their homes, each doing his part. All were astounded at how fast the wall of Jeruselem was repaired. At personal cost, at personal risk, they did it. It wasn’t easy! No! They were under great opposition, people tried to mock them, threaten them and their very lives, but they did it anyway! It was important, and they took it personally. They tood guard while their neighbor worked, and took turns, so that all the work got done.
In the New Testament churches, when there was a need, they oten met it before they were even asked. They were commended for their big hearts. They loved to bless those who did the work of God. I see the hours and the load, spiritual, emotional, and physical our staff takes on, and I want to make sure their needs are met so that they have no worries about family and special needs.
Did you know that something like 80% of our budget goes to fixed costs? General, standard, costs. Heating. Cooling. Staffing. Is there some waste? I’m sure, but we do the best we can and try to be faithful as God leads and we learn from each other.
There is a temptation I also knew that when a church grows the size of ours is to try to make sure everyone thinks we are doing alright. We’ve got our act together. Our nails are polished, our car is waxed, and we upgrade every other year or so. That was also an issue in my home. Even though we accept and love everyone no matter what they drive or who they are or what they wear. Even though people serve and minister among us from every walk of life!
The REAL TRUTH IS: those who manage things with good stewardship and responsibility are more revered than those who over-extend or waste. Those are godly principles, not ones flaunted, but ones commented silently because they matter to God.
God’s principles call us to a lifestyle of using up what we have. Good stewardship. Being creative. Letting go of “keeping up”. Being content and satisfied. Even as we edge forward and try to stay relevant to the culture we live in as a church body, asking Him for help, ideas, resources…digging deeper.
I love the creative ideas I’ve seen from staging to mics to all sort of “fixes” to honor God in our spending. It’s awesome when we let Him help us get it done well without necessarily trying to impress anyone with anything. I believe God has been pleased as a whole for our commitment to give time, talents, and money.
Our generation will not see continued ministry for our kids if we are unwilling to learn. The old church is now us–we hold the vision for the next generation. Can we handle it? What heritage will our kids learn from us?
I live amazed at God’s constant reminders that he wants to bless me beyond what I’d do for myself with finds here and there. It delights me to no end. And, things do seem to last a long time. I treasure the things God provides.
By way of contrast, I used to live in a big city. At yard sales, we’d do great because every couple years in nice neighborhoods, people would “just get tired” of bedroom linens and bedding and things still having high value. While thankful for their seconds, I wondered…what kind of culture do we live in where we upgrade bedspreads every year or two? The answer I heard most often when I asked why in my niavete, ”What else are you going to spend your hard-earned money on? You earn it hard, might as well enjoy it!”
Well, you know what I would have loved to have said, if I’d had the guts? “Listen sister, there is no greater joy than serving God whole-heartedly in work, and in what he gives. He owes us nothing. We owe him everything. I can’t imagine he’d be thrilled about any ‘need for new’ if it’s waste.” That’s the thing.
We are stewards. Managers. He entrusts things to us to see how we manage. In some areas, in my house, we do well, in others, we have some work to do. I am continually challenged to step up. I have so much to learn. I am only sharing because there are those who made an impact on me by trying to share, as hard as it is. As wrong as it can be taken, as much as some may feel judged or singled out. It’s not about a weight…it’s about learning to live in God’s blessing. It’s worth more than gold.
Honestly, though, can you imagine? Children starving across the world and we have to ask, “What else you gonna spend it on? Might as well enjoy it?” Debt so high in our society it’s staggering. We go into further debt instead of any thought for the future. We wonder why peace can be so far from us. Sigh. We don’t depend on anything, but we do plan wisely.
We are secure in godly wisdom regarding finances, and spending. We are more concerned about God’s image of us than other’s image of us.
The real needs that are still there waiting on us, the church, to do something about them.
Do you question that last sentence when our government/charities do so much? I have. But, in recent days, my views are changing. Reading the Old Testamant, the major and minor prophets, I found our irrate, insatiable God because 1. they had forsaken their love for him for other gods, and 2. they had forgotten the poor among them, extorting those who needed help, the orphans, widows, and needy. God rarely mentioned the first without the second. The fact that He puts those two in the same paragraph over and over cuts through my hard heart.
God tests us. Shortly after we were married, our housing and food needs had been extraordinarily taken care of. Somehow, the Lord saw fit to bless us with a tiny little oil well hit on some land family had. Wheee! We were joyed, because we had no income. It would more than pay for a month’s groceries and gas at that time for two students. We sort of felt God was testing us early on. The Hub asked me to start praying about why God had sent it our way. Sure enough, within that very week, we learned of a close classmate of my husband’s who needed a car and was having a hard time making their payments. God meets needs above and beyond what we can imagine. They had their pride, and we had an easy pay back plan to preserve that. We lost nothing, and gained the world.
I could write a book about the numbers of times God has met the desires of my heart in ways to thrill me, even this very day. He is so GOOD!
May we not be a generation who grumbles critiques, criticizes, and compares. When it comes to tithing, and then giving above and beyond the tithe, none of our observations or comments are relevant anymore. We speak when we need to speak, obey when we need to obey, trusting God with the results, as with every other aspect of the Christian life.
In the end, don’t we trust God, not the church, to manage the money well for us? We invest in the kingdom with full faith in God, not man. God disciplines those who need to be disciplined if and when they need it. We trust, and obey.
I pray that “we ain’t seen nothin’ yet”! “May one generation commend your works to another!”
Read The Bible In 90 Days: One Page Printable Schedule
A one page .pdf file for those needing a concise reading schedule to read the Bible in 90 Days. This does not require a “90 Days Thin-Line” Bible. I prefer my own Study Bible with notes. 90 Day .pdf File
I am on day 54-55. The intense and fast reading has so many neural synapses firing it’s hard to describe. To hear a sermon and see other subpoints jump off pages…it’s been incredible. I’ve set aside this season will all my kids going to school to spend some in-depth time with the Lord through his word, and I’m so glad he’s graced me with a little time. I had a lot of brushing up to do. Things I’ve read all my life have new life, words, meanings. They are expanded. Every night, I talk to The Hub about wild things I’ve found as I read, usually while he takes some R&R catching up on Sports news. I’m sure he appreciates the interruptions! But, he does usually realize it’s going to be cool at this point, he’ll lower the volume or mute for a second. I love to hear his, “No kidding!” “Really?” “Wow.”
He’ll remember it much longer than I will, so it works out well.
Cautionary Dreams–A Memorable Sunday Afternoon Nap
“Thus far has the Lord has helped me.” I love that quote from where the memorial was built and the place called Ebenezeer. After every major mountain I have to climb, I hear it in my head. “Thus far, has my Lord helped me.”
It’s been a good few days. Trying to stay on top of housework, kids, and tasks. Trying to rememeber and soak in what the Lord last said to me. Not moving ahead until He says so.
This weekend has been my husband’s last weekend of study before a big exam on Friday. That test has re-organized our family time this fall. Sometimes, it’s seemed redudant and stressful to keep the house and kids quiet and stay grounded near home. In other ways, it’s been a refreshing change of pace to just be home and learn to be still. I’m sure it has allowed me to stay on task with my 90 days reading! I need to catch up, even today!
This will be a different kind of week I’m sure, him reviewing notes and doing final study. I hope he does well. A couple nights ago, I dreamed he made a 90. (But, then again, I don’t think it’s prophetic, for I also made an 80. I would have probably beaten him, but a proctor was being so loud and obnoxious, I took him out in the hall to give him a talking to. Fortunately, I woke before I had to hear that lashing.)
I’ve been having such strong themed dreams lately. I just took a nap just now and dreamed I was driving along, praying, sort of stressed with a lot on my mind. I was going fast, and climbing a huge mountain on a four lane road, only there was a mountain between me and on-coming traffic…where the median would have been.
When I looked up, an enormous floor to ceiling rainbow caught my eye, and it made me smile. I could barely make it out with my sunglasses on, and wondered if I saw it at all, so I took off my sunglasses. Oh yes! There it was, but the car in front of me was sort of blocking my view. In my dream, I immediately started to pass–without looking over my shoulder. When I remembered to do so, there was a car was right there, in my blind spot.
I corrected just before I hit it, and veered back toward the curb of my lane. A came to a – non-existent emergency lane, just as I would have dropped off to sure death down the mountain. So, I swerved back just as my tires felt the raw edge of blacktop, just barely missing the car in front of me, knowing I could not brake now or I’d lose traction, though I wanted to, to keep from hitting the car in front of me. I was right on his tail.
I willed the car not to hit. My heart would have started beating fast and I would have freaked out, only I told it I could not, I breathed deep, and willed the car again, and held on tight.
And I woke.
I took a deep breath, my heart at normal speed.
I should have hit the cars in that dream.
I thanked the Lord for all the times he’s saved me. Before I got up, I asked him if there was something I was supposed to gain from that.
Whether it was Him or not, I do not really know. But, what I sensed was the message was this at the time:
“First things first. Some things HAVE to be done when they have to be done. There is no waiting. And…be careful.”
It was a scary dream. It was not a dream I want to have again. But, I almost missed it, and I’m glad I didn’t. I turned over once, stared at the ceiling, and then realized there was no more napping today. I came to the kitchen and there was Red, trying to open us his jar of homemade frozen strawberry jam (frozen, like he likes it, but the jar won’t ever open for him). I said, “Son, what are you doing?”
He said, “Dad said I could have this! Dad said I could!”
“Okay, well, where IS Dad?”
“He was asleep in your bed.”
Was.
That’s where I would have been. If I had, I would have missed this unusual dream–I dreamed it in the minute before I awoke.
Yes, we are to live spiritually like police officers. Always on duty. Always alert, even in our times of rest and need for inspiration and reflection. Even with other things on our minds…first things first.
Selah.
~Maggie
When the Fruit Isn’t At It’s Finest
The Quilt is being broken in today. Boy Wonder just called home vomiting at school. I spread it over the couch and he’s recovering there. There’s just nothing like a cool quilt!
I started feeling some better last night. I think it was probably hay fever (allergies), rather than a cold. I’m so glad. I’ve had my share of the cold thing this month already! I actually got through my closet last night most of the way. I worked on it a bit more this morning. Last night, I straightened, today, I’m purging. I usually only buy clothes I intend to last for some time, even if I buy them used, so it’s hard to get rid of things that have some use left, but my clothes need room to breathe. Time to narrow down to my most used.
I need to get the fridge cleaned out today, too. Misty seemed to be quite in control of this task. I think she should come give me a lesson 
.
I’m thinking on our sermon series this week a lot: the fruit of the Spirit. I found a really cool evaluation list that challenged me yesterday. I posted it here. I’ll probably make a permanent copy to keep in my spiritual journal. It’s very good. You know, I’ve been a Christian since I was seven. You’d think I’d be controlled by the Holy Spirit enough by now to be gentle and kind and sweet natured, but alas! I am not.
This brings me to some personal evaluation and choices. Being controlled by the Holy Spirit is both a result, and a choice. I choose whether or not to put others first. I choose whether or not to serve when I’m busy doing something else. I choose whether or not to stop what I’m doing and respond with patience. I have to make choices. Apparently, my choices so far in some areas haven’t led to gentleness, patience, and joy…so, there is only one answer. My choices have been wrong.
A hard reality. Lord, keeping guiding me to make better choices, ones that honor and glorify you. Not ones that promote productivity, efficiency, or individuality. No…ones that promote servanthood, serving, and giving. Preference to my family over myself. Preference to modeling over teaching. Preference to serving rather than ”toughening”. Remind me to serve. It is my role.
Elisabeth Elliot on Mental Rest
Elizabeth Elliot hit the nail on the head in a devotion of hers I read this morning.
If you are not familiar with her, she was the wife of Jim Elliot, a missionary who died trying to take Christ to an unreached people group. The story of her life is precious, and that is only one small portion of it. She has written a book, entittled “Passion and Purity” –on my bookshelf.
I encourage you to read her thoughts today…I think they will minister to the needs in your life as much as they did to mine. You’ll sit under a waterfall! So refreshing.
Related quote.
MAGNANIMOUS FOLK