We lived in the country during part of my childhood. Clearing off the front part of our land took place before the building of our house. From the road you could see the driveway going over a cattle guard and winding up the hill to our home. Trees scattered appropriately for visual effect and shade made for a pretty picture.
My husband travels for work. He usually leaves on Mondays and returns early Friday afternoons. He keeps me informed of his itinerary regularly.
Some weeks I do really well with time management. I complete certain tasks on certain days. Then there are those weeks I piddle around not really accomplishing anything. With his return day in mind, I feel like I have plenty of time and put things off until the last minute.
After birthdays and holiday celebrations I have to admit I gather up the collapsible gift boxes to use again. I store them in an under-the-bed box so I know right where to locate them when needed. My family good naturedly teases me about it.
For years I felt guilty for not having a family devotional time with our girls as they grew up. We provided plenty of other spiritual growth opportunities, but not that dedicated sit down time as a family. I stewed and fretted about it a lot.
Last week I turned over my calendar to a new month. At the top of the new page was this quote:
Kind words are jewels that live in the heart and remain as blessed memories years after they have been spoken. M. Johnson
During a recent lunch conversation, a friend and I got on the topic of “significant” birthdays. The particular number under discussion was one looming on her horizon, but solidly in my rearview mirror, making me the expert on the subject.
If you ask young children to name the seasons, some might answer, “Christmas, Easter, July 4th and Halloween.” Following that train of thought, the sign of each new season would be the bursting forth of appropriate merchandise on the shelves of local retailers. Ah, sad, but true…
On day 4 of Creation, God placed two great lights in the heavens. Lights we recognize as the sun and our moon; one direct and one reflective.
The earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours.
The moon’s rotation around the earth every 27.5 days..
The earth makes a complete rotation around the sun every 365.265 days.
As I write this, it is August and it is hot. The recent rains were only a temporary respite from temperatures that promised 90’s and threatened 100’s. But, I know this: the heat of August won’t last forever and better days—days of dappled sun and fall breezes—are ahead. I know that because I have experienced many years and many seasons.
Do you have projects that you have started, but stopped?
What made it stop? Confusion? Unclear direction?
When confusion sets in the mind, it can stop a project… bringing it to a screeching halt.
The enemy knows this scheme.
Do you journal? Write?
I use writing to process my thoughts.
God can use it to show you something that He wants you to see.
God told Jeremiah to write down His message for a purpose… for change…
Often, I don’t feel very strong… but I want to be strong.
Look at what our heavenly Father does… Paul prays…
I fall to my knees and pray to the Father … I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. (Ephesians 3:14-16 NLT).
Today, when I don’t know an answer … I admit it … I google.
But is Google always right? Can I trust Google? Sometimes.
Do you seek joy? I do.
I mean the joy that is blessing and happiness in life.
Then don’t miss this truth…
One of my favorite movies is “Wonder” based on the book by R. J. Palacio. The story is about a fifth-grade boy born with extreme facial differences. He is ashamed of his appearance and shunned by peers. He hides his face under an astronaut’s helmet with a tinted shield. Cruelty erupts. Lessons in kindness and healthy ways of relating to diversity emerge throughout the story.
Driving through Oklahoma, I glimpsed an adult bald eagle perched prominently atop an evergreen tree. The sight flashed by as we sped on, but he was forever etched in my mind. I haven’t seen one in nature, only in captivity. His “bald” head of vibrant white feathers radiated authority and power. Unmoved by his surroundings, weighty in presence, he portrayed unrivaled protection and peace—what my fearful heart most craves. Secured. Defended. Watched over. Sustained. Sheltered.
Karen, why don’t you believe your costly value is from God, and not from performance or the approval of others? I’m not content with my significance and worth. Recently, I rifled through shelves and boxes for the book that addressed these issues and most impacted my beliefs. Not to be found. How ironic! I wanted to refer to it to help me write this devotional rather than depend on God! Ouch.
Not long ago I retired from three decades of working at the same job. I faced a new season of unknowns and decision-making, which excited and paralyzed me. I couldn’t sleep. My mind raced. My heart was divided: i.e., anxious. Can anyone relate?
In 1990, cell phones were uncommon. I booked a flight from Dallas, Texas to Denver, Colorado to visit my parents. I was a single mom with two small children. What was I thinking to make a trip like this without another adult? We discussed the flight information through home phones.
Years ago, my son told me his friend’s high school band would be going to a fabulous destination that year. My son was jealous. He wanted to go, too. I explained that the trip was a well-deserved reward for his friend. His friend had faithfully played for years in the band. He had consistently shown up to many band practices. He had practiced his instrument for countless hours.
