Tag: care

Why The Ruts?

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As I was recently driving on one of our city’s main thoroughfares, I was perplexed as to why there would be such large ruts along the grassy shoulder which abutted a neighborhood.  I also observed large muddy tire tracks and realized someone had swerved onto the easement.

Was it drunkenness, distraction or merely not paying attention? Then I saw the small, lifeless body and surmised the cause for this event. There was one of God’s creations lying in the street; a squirrel.

I was saddened to see the lifeless creature, but I also understood someone had earnestly veered to avoid this result. How often have we swerved to miss hitting an animal or other obstacle in our path? How often have we had to take a detour to avoid peril to our vehicles or lives?

Sometimes those obstacles result in another being injured, but often these obstacles are for our own protection. In the case of this tiny squirrel, the effort didn’t bring the result the driver was hoping, but they attempted to keep it safe.

How often has God endeavored to keep us safe, but we bully ahead to “move” the obstacle, go around it or to perhaps just drive over it, because we think we know better than God what is best for us?

As I have shared in previous blogs, King David is one of my favorite men of the bible. Did he have obstacles to become king? He certainly did. Even though he started out as a young shepherd boy, he took a path which not only displeased God, but brought him sorrow along the way, because David thought “his way” was best.  Ultimately God’s plan was fulfilled when he became King.

As we read of Paul’s ministry and his journey to preach the gospel, it was not without obstacles and hardships along the way. As I listened to today’s sermon, the pastor spoke of obstacles we may endure when we choose God’s way over Satan’s way. God doesn’t promise a Christian’s life to be free of obstacles, but He does promise us He will remove them or allow us to navigate them.

Lisa Appelo states, “ we can trust that God is using the obstacle to orchestrate his perfect timing…to refine our character and purify our motives…to display his glory.” I’m reminded of this each time I read one of my favorite verses: Jer. 29:11 “for I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord…”

Yes, God does know His plans for us, but we have to be strong enough to allow Him to proceed with His plans, no matter how many obstacles are on our paths. Sometimes these obstacles are people or situations which can’t be removed, so we must understand how to cope with them.

We all have them, so do we drive around the obstacle, drive over it or merely stop and say “okay God, now what do you want me to do?”  Psalms 37:7 NIV-“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…”

He’s Got This!

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She said, “bring your bible study ideas to the meeting.” As I crouched down in my book shelf to retrieve the numerous bible study books and guides, I was astonished at the vast array of the studies I had taken and/or led in the past four to five decades of my life. There they were; in-depth theological studies, lighter studies filled with inspiration and awe, studies with video commentaries and studies that involved hours of diligence in preparation.

 I had two large book bags of studies to share for the meeting. These excluded the Percepts and Bible Study Fellowship studies or the countless studies I had “shared” with other women. These were some of my collection. There was such an immeasurable assortment of authors from the well known which have written countless bible studies to those newer leaders to the field of the immense collection of evangelical Christian bible studies.

 When searching for such studies in a Christian book store, it is similar to perusing the local candy shop. There is something for everyone. If I have spent the past five plus decades of my life in bible studies, then I pondered over my rationale in still coming before the Lord and crying out to Him for an understanding of my life.

Shouldn’t I already understand? Shouldn’t I have the faith and assurance that no matter what happens, this truly is the best for me? Yes, my head does know for I have listened to, read of and studied all these years of God’s love, goodness, mercy and best for each of us, His children. Yet all these decades later, I have one prayer which has remained. The format changes, but the theme remains. I know God knows best, but I grapple in perceiving God’s plan in this sorrow of my life.

I say, “but God, this doesn’t seem fair. God, why does so and so have this and I don’t?  God why can’t I have this, for your word says “this is good?” If it’s good God, then why is it withheld from me?” For some the prayer need is short-term and easily understood. For others, like myself, it has sincerely been a lifetime. The more I pray and the longer the time passes, the more I have to accept that God truly does know best and His plan  is perfect.

These are the moments and times alone with God that I can say, “God thank you that you do love me. Thank you that you do know best for me.”  For now, I’m grateful for the countless bible study authors and opportunities to be reminded of His promises to us. It is also the fellowship with other Christians while studying that reminds me of God’s assurances.

What a joy it is to know that even though I have been coming to God for all these decades with a passionate prayer, He continues to stand right there with me, holding my hand and letting me know “He’s got this.”  Isaiah 41:10 NIV, “so do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “

Would You Like a Cup of Tea?

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When Calls The Heart or as we might more aptly state, “when the heart calls.” What then? What happens when our hearts call us to act. This Hallmark series doesn’t disappoint. Due to the longevity of this series, it covers all seasons and emotions of our lives. From birth through death. Instead of rags to riches, the series focuses on the life of one that had wealth, but chose to leave it to serve others, to be a part of “real life” with “real people”, those struggling to survive.

We all know the wealthy have “real lives”, but to us as outsiders, it seems their lives are surreal. Thus, when persons whether in Hollywood or in reality give all of that up to serve others, we are in awe. This is one of many of life’s lessons in this Hallmark story of life in the early twentieth century.

Certainly the romantic aspect of the series “pulls” many of us females into its’ story line. I have shed more than one tear when there are moments of giving to others more than yourself. It is seldom we experience those acts of kindness and love. Yes, the story is filled with natural disasters and “neighbors helping neighbors.”

Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of this series is that a cup of tea with a friend and neighbor seems to make all things better. It’s not only sitting down together without the distraction of cell phones, television or any of the other current  so-called conveniences, but the fact that there is always time for another person. I know while watching this series it is merely “Hallmark Hollywood”, but how I love seeing mankind care about another.

I recall a time I would have so greatly appreciated “just a moment.” While enduring the greatest heartache of my life, three separate women at church had stated, “if you ever need us, just call.” On a day when I felt I could not take even one more step, I reached out to each of the three; all without success. The first noted, “I’m busy, I’m at a restaurant.” The second stated, “I’m busy, I’m at a ball game.” With the third I left a voice mail message on her phone, but she never returned the call.

I didn’t want their physical presence or anything tangible from them. Yet, they didn’t know for they all quoted, “I’m too busy” when all I wanted was prayer. Free to them, yet a great gift to me. There was my heavenly Father, ears and heart open to my sorrows. I learned from then on, it is seldom, if not always that earthly family or friends don’t have the time or care when our needs are often the greatest.

But not in this Hallmark series! Perhaps that is the reason many of us reminisce over similar times in the series noted above. I have made it a sincere vow to stop anytime anyone asks me to “reach out” and take their hand. Like my request, it is most often just needing prayer, but if there is a physical need, I want to be there for them. I want to have those “china cup, tea” moments. We know it isn’t the tea or coffee which soothes a heart, but knowing someone gave a little of themselves when you were in great need. Hebrews 13:16 NKJ, “But do not forget to do good and to share for with such sacrifices God is well.”