Thinking on these things . . .

Although the words were written thousands of years ago, they still  resonate with the heart engaged in honest confession before God in their request. Psalm 119: 5-8 (NLT) Oh, that my actions would conisistently reflect your principles! Instead of reflecting how I'm quicker to worry than to trust, to gossip then to pray, to take the easy route instead of pursing the holy... Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands. I am looking pretty good compared to some to the people around me, even those in the church! But in Your eyes and compared to your commands I stand head bowed in shame... When I learn your righteous laws I will thank you by living as I should! Yes, Yes Lord that's what I'll do! I know your laws and I will live by them! Until I'm tired, or discouraged, or stubborn, or when your laws seem just so hard... I will obey your principles. You know my heart Lord; I really want to follow your commands but I just keep fail

I had a patch of thirsty flowers but the hose was all wound up nicely and put away and I didn't want the hassle of getting it out. I filled up a bucket and dumped it on the plants; and whoosh, the water was sucked into the parched earth so quickly it was as if I'd added no moisture as all. Well clearly that wasn't going to work! So I pulled out the hose, untangled the kinks, hooked it up to the tap and gave the flowers the drink they really needed.  While I was at it I watered the whole garden thoroughly as there wasn't any effort involved as the hose was already in place. I picked up a women's magazine and found an inspirational sidebar which read "Your dreams are within reach" "You're someone worth believing in" "You can succeed. You should succeed. You will succeed" So refreshing aren't they? Like a bucket of water poured into parched ground. How much sustenance is there in a sentimental saying? Some, but how

I went for a walk this morning; after six weeks of lying in bed and watching the sun rise and thinking "I really should get up and walk", I finally did. And as I walked I remembered one thing; I am the only one who can get myself to exercise. I can read books, watch motivational shows, compare the pros and the cons, buy the apparel and the equipment, and be both encouraged and warned by people in my life but when it comes right down to it, it is up to me to lace tight my shoes and hit the pavement. I am also the only one who can lift my hands to God. I can speak the lingo, read the most popular Christian authors, wear the appropriate Sunday morning clothing and sing the songs but none of it makes me one who seeks God.  I have to intentionally lift my hands, my heart, to Him. Psalms 34:15 says "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry".  So we see God is waiting, but are we asking? Are we crying out to Him for help

 I am fascinated by my air conditioner. (I know, simple minds are easily amused!) I am amazed because it is still working. Even though it's been running non-stop through a week of blistering heat, it's still going strong. I keep expecting it to give out. To say "enough is enough" and quit. But still it is humming along keeping me cool and providing a place of refuge from the soaring heat and humidity. I've always thought of a place of "refuge" as a well fortified castle with the drawbridge drawn up over the moat to keep out the enemy. I'm rethinking that at the moment as I realize what a place of refuge an air conditioned room can be. Coolness when it is hot. Refreshing relief from oppression. A place to breathe when everything else is stifling. A place I need not worry about my survival and well being because here I can simply rest and know this is a safe and good place. All of what is true of an air-conditioned room is also true o

It is hot! But I'm sure, that since 32 out of 50 states are under an excessive heat warning, I don't need to tell you it's hot. Knowing the heat was coming and that I'd be away for a few days I stood with the hose deluging the flowers until their dry dust beds transformed into rich warm soil with rivulets of water.  I gave them a long, deep, satisfying drink hoping it would be enough for them to endure the oppression that was coming. It wasn't because it couldn't be. For flowers to thrive in the summer a single long drink is not enough. The solution is a soaker hose and a timer - the guarantee of liquid nourishment every day. Life is tough. But I'm sure, since you're living life, you already know that. A single moving satisfying spiritual experience - be it at church,conference, concert, or just an amazing insight from the Word, in all it's refreshing wonderfulness; is not enough. A deep drink cannot last over the heat of days. We th

There's this game we play that goes something like this... "I love you" "I love you more" "I love you more than chocolate chip cookies" "I love YOU more than snow days" "I love you more than..." On and on it goes. Now if you're loved more than broccoli or homework that's not so great BUT if you are loved more than coffee (from me) or ice cream (from the kids) now that is really something!! I'm realizing that this is also something I want to say and act towards my God. "I love You more than holding this grudge." "I love You more than treating others the way they've treated me." "I love you more than this hurt, need for revenge, or following the desires of my own heart." This is no game. This is how God asks me to live my life, to love Him more than my own desires; to follow His commands more than my own intuitions or understanding. To say with the actions of my life that

There was a star blinking at me when I logged in this morning informing me that I had lost 5 pounds! Sounds great doesn't it?  Now this would have been amazing if it had been a week, great if it had been two, acceptable if it had been three but was downright dismal when it’s the result of four weeks – four weeks of only serving others ice cream, not taking the extra slice of pizza and turning down countless icy cold beverages on hot summer days. This was my big result? whoo hoo… I really hate long term plans!! Now granted, if I keep losing weight at this rate I will be in the vicinity of what it says on my driver’s license in a couple years; that’s something right? Right?! Perhaps it’s me, or because I’m a product of the culture but I want it now. Via coffee, instant oatmeal, patience and maturity in a hurry – and put a rush on that! And although I may not like it the lack of speed, there is great security and peace knowing that God has a long term plan in place for my life