Utopia?

Where is the perfect connection of our will and His? I'm just beginning to learn about my self-determined vows to be the perfect mom, most loving, etc. Even though the vows are consistent with the heart of God, self-determination is no different than an utopian world. Only walking in His vision and His direction with His empowering can I be what He chose me to be, even before the foundations of the earth were laid... Ephesians 1:4-6. ??? According to some very wise biblical scholars, self-determined vows set up stony hearts... quite the opposite of what I had in mind. In yielding all my expectations, desires and dreams to Him, there is the fulfillment of His Heart, which is perfect.

Gratitude

Sometimes in a vortex of circumstances that are overwhelming, we lose sight of those who are precious to us. At times like this, I look for some way to find relief in a tangible person who might possibly understand. However, in reality, we each have specific circumstances that no one else can truly understand. Only the Lord truly understands. In that place, He does the healing. Then our eyes are open to all the relationships that are valuable. Why is it that we always feel so alone when life is overwhelming? It isn't really true, but life can make us feel that way. There are myriads of people who have experienced similar circumstances, or their set of circumstances though different are traumatic in their own way. The Lord is Jehovah Rapha (Our Healer). In Him there is healthy, wholesome life. Once we are able to look up again, we see the faces of faithful friends. There is not the need to find someone else out there who might possibly relieve the pain. "By His stripes we are healed." No other person on earth is capable of reaching down into our inner being and "restoring our soul". In this place, I thank everyone who has prayed for me and my family. He hears and He answers.

Trust

In a place of trust, we gradually unpeel our gripping fingers of unbelief and allow another person to see our vulnerability. Only those who gently pry away the fingers are allowed in this place. I met a total stranger yesterday after church. I was sitting with my husband waiting for our son. This vibrant woman about my age was overloaded with the CDs of sermons from the Jewish man who had spoken previously. She began talking about her passion for Jewish people to recognize their Messiah. The Lord orchestrated our chance meeting. She spoke truths without my mouth opening. She shared deep things of God that filled my tank. Her infectious energy for American freedom, personal freedom, and godly freedom was supernaturally planned. There was a kindred spirit that I had been searching to find. She sat down and joined me spiritually as though it were eternity and there was no such thing as time. Thank you, Lord, for an obedient heart who gave willingly.

A Safe Place

Safe usually refers to physical protection. It can be protection from storms, harm, or evil. A safe is a place where one usually puts their valuables and no one can steal them. Emotionally, it is much more difficult to find that place. The valuables of our heart cry out for a box where there is no harm. Some people have friends who are there and are not judgmental. They accept you as you are. You can say anything, even if it is rambling to them. People pay money for counselors to be that safe place. Counselors are trained, and confidences are safe.

Right now, the only safe place is in the arms of Jesus. In that place He knows all. He holds us and allows the pain and tears to flow. Humans care, but are clouded by their own perceptions. Judgment belongs to God, but people wield the sword thinking they are capable of dividing truth well. John Piper's book, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, has a chapter, Waiting for the Morning in the Night of Weeping. It is in allowing the pain and not masking it for humanity, that we find a quiet respite of peace and safety. Only in the pain and through our tears do we see our Protector and Shepherd, and feel secure.

Woman of Valor

I'm reading So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore. It encouraged me about what I've always heard as the "virtous woman." Valor is definitely what we women need in today's world. Beth gives the meaning of "valor" where KJV has given it "virtuous." Sometimes we get tired of being courageous. The verse was so timely from the Proverbs 31 passage. "She is clothed with strength and dignity." Again, strength is so needed for the challenges of life. Dignity is a puzzling concept. Pride is a sin. Dignity is how we are crowned. Wow! Queen, not just for a day, but for every day. We walk in the honor bestowed on us by Almighty God. We walk into the day facing our world knowing Who is our Maker, Redeemer and Strength. Belonging to Him, His daughter, His intimate friend, all because of Jesus. How can we thank Jesus enough for the Awesome Sacrifice He gave for us? Each day I discover something more about who I am in Christ. Pride is when I am trying to put myself out there in my own strength. It sure is puny...so weak. Dignity is given to us. We must wear it well.

Attitude

Everyone knows how important attitude is. It is emphasized in the business world, personal relationships, parent/child relationships, etc. Many who are conscious of that need for great customer service and care force themselves to smile and comment to keep the status of a job or the company. What about the one who is going through a divorce, grieving over the death of a relative or friend, or death of a friendship? The charade must go on, or the secret shopper may catch a frown or sour temperament. Is there another way for a good attitude? For those who are not the Tiggers of life(Winnie the Pooh), there is a solution. Whatever our situation there is a verse in Ps 121:1-3 that says "I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from which comes my help." Each morning when I open my eyes, I lift up my spirit to "the hills". In lifting up we are refusing to have a melancholic day. We are lifting it up for God to be God today and handle whatever may come.

Approximately 2000 years ago a man who had done no wrong was "lifted up" on a cross on a hill. What is it about lifting up? How many of us want to lift something. It is not easy, but we put it above our heads. We offer it up to God. Jesus was lifted up where He willingly gave His life as a sacrifice for our sin. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up." John 3:14 Moses had lifted up a snake on a pole. All of the people who had been bitten by snakes(symbolic of sin) could look up at the pole with the snake on it and be healed. The snake(sin) on a wooden pole(cross) brought freedom and health. Today the snake on a pole is the symbol of the American Medical Association.

For a healthy day, lift up your eyes to a hill far away where sin was conquered. This is my free gift to you today.

Connections

We connect with each other in so many different ways. One attempts to express love to another. Why is that love language foreign in the ears of the receiver? Why is the love not received? It is as though a translator is needed, because attempts to connect fall on deaf ears. Gary Chapman wrote 5 Languages of Love. There's physical contact, words, service, quality time and gifts. You can usually determine the language of the one who is attempting to show love. It becomes complicated in using that language to express love. The one who has the language of love of serving will serve food, laundry needs, housecleaning, etc. Does that same person expect service to be given to feel the love. The one who speaks love thinks it should reach the heart's target and be understood. Possibly service is more difficult. The quality time person would love to spend time without words. The verbal person expects to hear special words.

It is in allowing the Holy Spirit to move and challenge us to communicate in a language that is not natural to us, but triggers the right response in the recipient.

Understanding is not the only key. The real key is obedience to the Holy Spirit.