"Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
There have been times that I wasn't sure how I was going to get through a difficult situation. Most of my friends would tell me to pray about the difficulty and that they would pray with me and for me as well. Sometimes those friends would simply give me an answer there on the spot with it often not being the answer that I wanted to hear. Have you ever heard advice you'd rather not hear or worse yet, hear your own words uttered back to you from past conversations? It stings a little doesn't it? But each of those responses were necessary and each a form of encouragement to lift me up out of the situation and into the direction I needed to travel however hard the journey would be. Those same friends would not just leave me alone to fight the battle, but they stood in the gap and prayed for me even on days when I couldn't pray for myself. Those are my encouragers and my dearest friends. They don't always tell me what I want to hear but they tell me what I need to hear to move on. I have been resistant at times to listen to what one of them would share with me, sometimes even hurt by what was said because what I wanted to hear at the moment was the "perfect" easy fix instead of a word from God on how to grow through the hard times. Ouch.
There are other times that the shoe is on the other foot so to speak as well. I've been the one to listen to a friend and what I mean by listen is that I really sit there, ears open and mouth shut hearing what my brother/sister in Christ is going through. Some days I have no answers but am always ready to pray with them and for them to be the one standing in the gap for them. Other days I'm the one that gives the words that sting a little. I can always tell when a friend is secretly saying inside, "Heather, that is not what I wanted you to say." To be honest if I were going through their situation and was having to hear the words coming out of my heart (notice I didn't say mouth) I would be saying the same thing.
The difference between lifting a friend up and defeating their spirit is the communication that is shared between the two of you or perhaps even a small group. When the words spoken are coming from the heart and not simply the tongue they are coming from the Holy Spirit within the person which will breathe new life over that person and will lift them up through their deepest darkest places and begin them on a journey of restoration. Our journeys are not always easy, we could probably agree that most times they are a bit of a struggle but God gives us one another to encourage, to lift up and to be a friend who will stand in the gap when we are finding it difficult to cross through it ourselves.
A true friend may not give you all the answers that you seek, they may not have them. Maybe the answers they do have for you aren't the ones you are ready to hear because of the pain or indecision in your heart. But a true friend, the ones who desire to lift you up will be there to hold onto you, sometimes physically, but all the time prayerfully to see you through to the otherside of your battle. They are there to cheer you on, to cry out to the Father and to watch and perhaps learn as you grow.
I've heard time and time again that to have a friend you need to be a friend. hmmm, I don't know if I agree with that old saying. Sometimes I think we need to be a friend even when the other isn't much of a friend because maybe that is their battle and you need to stand in the gap and be that friend that helps them understand what a friend is. I don't say that for anyone to be a whipping post or to be burdened down by someone who can't seem to learn from past mistakes but we all had to learn what a friend was somehow, someway, right?
I'm thankful that God knew we'd need relationships/friendships to lift one another up. He knew that sometimes we'd need someone to come to the right and left of us and help us along our journey and that sometimes we'd be that one to the right or left of another. He gave us one another. Love thy neighbor is what his word says. The paths we walk are not always clear of hardships but it's so much easier to walk it with someone than to try it alone. God is always there for us and I'm sure someone would argue that he is all that anyone needs. Perhaps there is some truth to that, but God created us one for another in human flesh to encourage and cheer each other on.
Who today needs lifted up? Who do you turn to when you need encouraged? Are you willing to listen to the words that come from a friend's heart even when they may sting a little or would you rather stay in the mud puddles of life and be brought down further and further into the pain? Are you one who'd rather have an easy solution or a healing solution for a life-lifting change?
Blessings,
Heather
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Resilient; Isaiah 40:29
"He Gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
This past week at work we were required to take resiliency training. At first I was like many and didn't want to "have to" sit through yet another training session that didn't interest me. We were fortunate because the training wasn't too painful and infact, the instructor made it interactive and the time went quickly. What also made the training interesting was the fact that I was able to learn a bit more about those around me, you know the people you spend most of your days with and yet know so little about... yah those people.
The instructor kicked off the training by having us take a little test (no grades, no right/wrong answers) and then scored up our points at the end as an indication as to how resilient we'd rate ourselves based on the questions. My score came back fairly high. As the instructor asked each of us why we thought our score landed one way or another she came to me and I responded that I'd already been through the worst thing in life I could imagine so anything else wouldn't compare. I then added my faith is strong as well and that helps me. Now as I've had time to reflect on that question, my answer is more than I earlier responded. What I said was true, but it's more than just that. I missed my witnessing opportunity. Yes, I said my faith but it's more than just faith. God said in his word, "He gives strength to the weary..." that is why I can say I am resilient. God further says, "...and increases the power of the weak." I've overcome one of the greatest tragedies of my life because God gave me strength and continues to increase that strength when I'm at my weakest points.
So often I've heard people say that there are certain things in life they just couldn't handle or that they'd not survive. I'm here to proclaim... you'd be amazed at how strong you can be, not within yourself but through Christ. Our Savior endured more than we can imagine, suffered more than we'd want to ever know. Before the guards came to take Jesus in Matthew 26:39, "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Just for that moment, a split second, as a man in flesh and bone, I believe Jesus may have thought maybe he just couldn't handle what he was about to face either. Can you imagine how he felt at that very moment? He knew he wouldn't survive, he knew his fate if he would save man from himself but he faced it, walked it, lived it and although died here on earth... he still endured, he still finished the good work he began here.
When I lost my son, I honestly didn't think that I'd survive. I had no idea how strong God would make me and how by spending 3 1/2 years with a life that was bigger and brighter than any one life I've ever known before or since I'd forever be changed, strengthened, encouraged, and determined to face whatever life had to throw my way because I was shown just what I was made of, and just how strong my God is. People are right, we can't survive situations or events, but we can overcome them through the strength and power that God gives us to bounce back from them.
I'm sure you have heard many people say that God never gives you more than you can handle and I'm sure many of you have said, really, I'm not sure about that at this point in my life with what I'm going through. Yet, we press on through the struggle and find that when we take it a moment at a time and get past that moment when we ask for the "cup to pass from us" we find that we begin to be strengthened and that God begins to increase our power to overcome and be a witness for him. It's through our struggles, our hardships that we grow and become more compassionate, loving people. It's that way in all things in nature. Think of the beautiful butterfly, what a struggle to come out of that cocoon but when it finally does look at how beautiful it is when it takes flight and dances in the sunbeams around the flowers drawing in life sustaining nectar. We are like those butterflies, struggling to come through a "cocoon" but when we do.... oh so beautiful dancing in the sOnbeams of this life.
How resilient are you? Do you count on your own strength when facing the battles of this life or do you turn to the one who created you and proclaimed that you would have the strength to take to make it? Casting Crowns sings a song that sums it up in a few short lyrics, "You were made to be Courageous". Your resiliency comes from the father who is always with you, who never forsakes you and who will never leave you.
Blessings,
Heather
This past week at work we were required to take resiliency training. At first I was like many and didn't want to "have to" sit through yet another training session that didn't interest me. We were fortunate because the training wasn't too painful and infact, the instructor made it interactive and the time went quickly. What also made the training interesting was the fact that I was able to learn a bit more about those around me, you know the people you spend most of your days with and yet know so little about... yah those people.
The instructor kicked off the training by having us take a little test (no grades, no right/wrong answers) and then scored up our points at the end as an indication as to how resilient we'd rate ourselves based on the questions. My score came back fairly high. As the instructor asked each of us why we thought our score landed one way or another she came to me and I responded that I'd already been through the worst thing in life I could imagine so anything else wouldn't compare. I then added my faith is strong as well and that helps me. Now as I've had time to reflect on that question, my answer is more than I earlier responded. What I said was true, but it's more than just that. I missed my witnessing opportunity. Yes, I said my faith but it's more than just faith. God said in his word, "He gives strength to the weary..." that is why I can say I am resilient. God further says, "...and increases the power of the weak." I've overcome one of the greatest tragedies of my life because God gave me strength and continues to increase that strength when I'm at my weakest points.
So often I've heard people say that there are certain things in life they just couldn't handle or that they'd not survive. I'm here to proclaim... you'd be amazed at how strong you can be, not within yourself but through Christ. Our Savior endured more than we can imagine, suffered more than we'd want to ever know. Before the guards came to take Jesus in Matthew 26:39, "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Just for that moment, a split second, as a man in flesh and bone, I believe Jesus may have thought maybe he just couldn't handle what he was about to face either. Can you imagine how he felt at that very moment? He knew he wouldn't survive, he knew his fate if he would save man from himself but he faced it, walked it, lived it and although died here on earth... he still endured, he still finished the good work he began here.
When I lost my son, I honestly didn't think that I'd survive. I had no idea how strong God would make me and how by spending 3 1/2 years with a life that was bigger and brighter than any one life I've ever known before or since I'd forever be changed, strengthened, encouraged, and determined to face whatever life had to throw my way because I was shown just what I was made of, and just how strong my God is. People are right, we can't survive situations or events, but we can overcome them through the strength and power that God gives us to bounce back from them.
I'm sure you have heard many people say that God never gives you more than you can handle and I'm sure many of you have said, really, I'm not sure about that at this point in my life with what I'm going through. Yet, we press on through the struggle and find that when we take it a moment at a time and get past that moment when we ask for the "cup to pass from us" we find that we begin to be strengthened and that God begins to increase our power to overcome and be a witness for him. It's through our struggles, our hardships that we grow and become more compassionate, loving people. It's that way in all things in nature. Think of the beautiful butterfly, what a struggle to come out of that cocoon but when it finally does look at how beautiful it is when it takes flight and dances in the sunbeams around the flowers drawing in life sustaining nectar. We are like those butterflies, struggling to come through a "cocoon" but when we do.... oh so beautiful dancing in the sOnbeams of this life.
How resilient are you? Do you count on your own strength when facing the battles of this life or do you turn to the one who created you and proclaimed that you would have the strength to take to make it? Casting Crowns sings a song that sums it up in a few short lyrics, "You were made to be Courageous". Your resiliency comes from the father who is always with you, who never forsakes you and who will never leave you.
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
At His Feet; Luke 10:41-42
41“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I don't know about you but when I first read this passage or maybe it was the 100th time, it ticked me off. I couldn't understand why Jesus would talk with Martha in the manner that he did when all she was wanting to do was make her guests at home and welcome the savior warmly. Obviously I'm a Martha. Then it hit me... that was her role and yet she was upset with Mary because Mary's role wasn't the same. I think we do this a lot more than we realize in life. We find ourselves busy doing works that we don't recognize when Jesus says sometimes "choose what is better" come sit with me a while, lean back against me and just breathe me in. Just breathe.... listen.... spend a little time with me.
I had to recognize that there is a time for my hands to be busy, my feet to be moving, my heart to be loving and then there are times when I simply need to be at his feet. We seem to think that we run on batteries like the energizer bunny and just keep going and going until finally we just can't beat that little drum any longer and we wonder why we feel such dispare and our bodies tired and often become ill. No one can run at full speed all the time without rest. Even God on the 7th day took a day of rest so why do we think we can keep going and never slow down?
Aside from the rest that our bodies and minds need is a chance to have our souls fed by the one who designed us with the sole purpose of having a relationship with us. He so wants to just have us at his feet so that he can restore us and teach us about his love and grace. When have you ever been in a relationship that required no time with you, no communication...nothing? Hmmmm, I can't recall of one and my guess is that you can't either. I can also say that anytime that a relationship hasn't been nurtured that it often has fallen apart and the relationship ends. I am so thankful that God our Father never gives up on a relationship with me, nor you. He continues to woo us and pursue us and even hung the stars and the moon for us. At Christmas I quoted from one of my favorite movies, "It's a Wonderful Life". Remember in the movie George asks Mary (how appropriate her name is Mary) if she wants the moon because he'd tied a laso around it and give it to her? That's what our Heavenly Daddy does when we sit at his feet. He ties a rope around the moon and gives it to us to brighten our darkest nights all because he loved us from the moment he created us and all he wants in return is for us to sit at his feet and spend time with him.
There is certainly a time and place to be Martha too. Her value, our value, in our service and hospitality to one another is invaluable and is rewarded. But that is for another time, another blog.
God is calling you to sit a while at his feet. Can you put all your busy stuff down for a moment and just sit with him? Can you lay back against him and breathe? For the next few moments, listen to this song.... close your eyes and sit at his feet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk
Blessings,
Heather
I don't know about you but when I first read this passage or maybe it was the 100th time, it ticked me off. I couldn't understand why Jesus would talk with Martha in the manner that he did when all she was wanting to do was make her guests at home and welcome the savior warmly. Obviously I'm a Martha. Then it hit me... that was her role and yet she was upset with Mary because Mary's role wasn't the same. I think we do this a lot more than we realize in life. We find ourselves busy doing works that we don't recognize when Jesus says sometimes "choose what is better" come sit with me a while, lean back against me and just breathe me in. Just breathe.... listen.... spend a little time with me.
I had to recognize that there is a time for my hands to be busy, my feet to be moving, my heart to be loving and then there are times when I simply need to be at his feet. We seem to think that we run on batteries like the energizer bunny and just keep going and going until finally we just can't beat that little drum any longer and we wonder why we feel such dispare and our bodies tired and often become ill. No one can run at full speed all the time without rest. Even God on the 7th day took a day of rest so why do we think we can keep going and never slow down?
Aside from the rest that our bodies and minds need is a chance to have our souls fed by the one who designed us with the sole purpose of having a relationship with us. He so wants to just have us at his feet so that he can restore us and teach us about his love and grace. When have you ever been in a relationship that required no time with you, no communication...nothing? Hmmmm, I can't recall of one and my guess is that you can't either. I can also say that anytime that a relationship hasn't been nurtured that it often has fallen apart and the relationship ends. I am so thankful that God our Father never gives up on a relationship with me, nor you. He continues to woo us and pursue us and even hung the stars and the moon for us. At Christmas I quoted from one of my favorite movies, "It's a Wonderful Life". Remember in the movie George asks Mary (how appropriate her name is Mary) if she wants the moon because he'd tied a laso around it and give it to her? That's what our Heavenly Daddy does when we sit at his feet. He ties a rope around the moon and gives it to us to brighten our darkest nights all because he loved us from the moment he created us and all he wants in return is for us to sit at his feet and spend time with him.
There is certainly a time and place to be Martha too. Her value, our value, in our service and hospitality to one another is invaluable and is rewarded. But that is for another time, another blog.
God is calling you to sit a while at his feet. Can you put all your busy stuff down for a moment and just sit with him? Can you lay back against him and breathe? For the next few moments, listen to this song.... close your eyes and sit at his feet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk
Heather
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Second Chance; Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Happy New Year!
With the onset of the new year I'm sure that many will make resolutions to make changes in their lives that will cause either positive change or frustration. Which one are you? Several years back I decided that making resolutions at New Year's led often to disappointment in me and made me feel like I failed once again. So my resolution was to never make one again, that seems to work for me.
I don't think there is anything at all wrong with making resolutions, it's just the opposite, but I know for me how it turns out... a big fail! Then I beat myself up and end up feeling more depressed and spiraling out of control in just the opposite direction. Why is that? Maybe because I'm putting all my faith in my resolve and not in the one who created me? That's what I believe at least. Mark 10:27 tells us that all things are possible through who? Through ourselves, no... through God. So why do I keep making resolutions counting on myself to improve something within me when it's Christ who strengthens me? Where does my strength come from? Where does my help come from? It's all through Christ, but yet I continued year after year thinking that I could make a resolution and correct something within myself by myself. Me Me Me...
Who Am I that I think that I have all this power when the previous year it was the very problem that I was vowing to resolve for the next year! Wait, I know... A child of the most high God that's who I am! True my strength comes from the Lord, but if I instead begin to pray and seek Him about something that needs "fixed" in me instead of trying to fix it myself on my own then my chances of achieving my goal, achieving my resolution is greater because He who is within me is greater right?? Now you're getting.... so am I. In all things Pray, even at the turn of the year when you see something about yourself, within yourself that needs improvement or change. God hears our pleas, our prayers, and He will help see you through to your goals and resolutions. He never fails, He never disappoints and He always is a God of second chances.
This year I want to publicly announce (so you all can hold me accountable) that I choose to allow Christ to strengthen me in my battle against my body. I know that I can't do it alone, I've tried and I've failed. As I began thinking yet again that I was entering a year not content with my weight I realized that for me to achieve a healthier weight goal, I need to turn that over to the one who has better resolve and willpower than I can ever hope to have. It is through Him alone that I will find my strength and not myself. It is God alone who will change my mindset and my ideals about the temple that God has given me to use for His glory. He created me to be a temple holy and acceptable to Him. This year I turn it over to Him to make it so. Does that mean I get to sit on my backside? You know the answer to that.... God expects us to do our part, but I need Him to encourage me and challenge me to be better, healthier and wiser about my health.
Today I ask you not to make a resolution but to make a determination that whatever needs "tweaked", "improved" or just "maintained" in your life that you simply turn it over to Him, ask Him for wisdom, guidance and that staying power.
What are you needing resolved in life today? What second chance do you need this year to improve the person that you are to be as a reflection of who He is to others? It's not about being perfect or attaining perfection, it's about being the one He called you to be. Are you completely that person today?
Blessings,
Heather
Happy New Year!
With the onset of the new year I'm sure that many will make resolutions to make changes in their lives that will cause either positive change or frustration. Which one are you? Several years back I decided that making resolutions at New Year's led often to disappointment in me and made me feel like I failed once again. So my resolution was to never make one again, that seems to work for me.
I don't think there is anything at all wrong with making resolutions, it's just the opposite, but I know for me how it turns out... a big fail! Then I beat myself up and end up feeling more depressed and spiraling out of control in just the opposite direction. Why is that? Maybe because I'm putting all my faith in my resolve and not in the one who created me? That's what I believe at least. Mark 10:27 tells us that all things are possible through who? Through ourselves, no... through God. So why do I keep making resolutions counting on myself to improve something within me when it's Christ who strengthens me? Where does my strength come from? Where does my help come from? It's all through Christ, but yet I continued year after year thinking that I could make a resolution and correct something within myself by myself. Me Me Me...
Who Am I that I think that I have all this power when the previous year it was the very problem that I was vowing to resolve for the next year! Wait, I know... A child of the most high God that's who I am! True my strength comes from the Lord, but if I instead begin to pray and seek Him about something that needs "fixed" in me instead of trying to fix it myself on my own then my chances of achieving my goal, achieving my resolution is greater because He who is within me is greater right?? Now you're getting.... so am I. In all things Pray, even at the turn of the year when you see something about yourself, within yourself that needs improvement or change. God hears our pleas, our prayers, and He will help see you through to your goals and resolutions. He never fails, He never disappoints and He always is a God of second chances.
This year I want to publicly announce (so you all can hold me accountable) that I choose to allow Christ to strengthen me in my battle against my body. I know that I can't do it alone, I've tried and I've failed. As I began thinking yet again that I was entering a year not content with my weight I realized that for me to achieve a healthier weight goal, I need to turn that over to the one who has better resolve and willpower than I can ever hope to have. It is through Him alone that I will find my strength and not myself. It is God alone who will change my mindset and my ideals about the temple that God has given me to use for His glory. He created me to be a temple holy and acceptable to Him. This year I turn it over to Him to make it so. Does that mean I get to sit on my backside? You know the answer to that.... God expects us to do our part, but I need Him to encourage me and challenge me to be better, healthier and wiser about my health.
Today I ask you not to make a resolution but to make a determination that whatever needs "tweaked", "improved" or just "maintained" in your life that you simply turn it over to Him, ask Him for wisdom, guidance and that staying power.
What are you needing resolved in life today? What second chance do you need this year to improve the person that you are to be as a reflection of who He is to others? It's not about being perfect or attaining perfection, it's about being the one He called you to be. Are you completely that person today?
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Can I Get A Witness; John 14:12-14
"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
As I was driving to work this morning listening to this scripture it hit me that this time of year is an even greater opportunity to be a witness. Many view Christmas time as a special time of year even if they aren't Christian and have no faith in the baby born in the manger or the man who walked this earth teaching peace and good will towards man. It's simply a time of spending time with loved ones and getting caught up in the joy of the season. I can't help but think that God planned it that way, that he orchestrated this holiday season as a way for mankind to show one another compassion if only for a brief season and to bring all of us together when otherwise we often are divided. How many this season participated in food drives, toys for tots, adopt a families, etc? Amazing how during the Christmas season, moreso than any other time during our calendar year, we pull together to help one another in need. "They will do even greater things..." It truly is a great thing to be able to help someone who is struggling a bit more than we are isn't it?
But there is a flip side to this goodwill attitude isn't there? The side of man, the flesh, that comes out during this time of year as well. You see them or maybe are "them" while out shopping to find little Timmy that toy he's been asking for weeks for or picking up the last of those chocolate chips to make Grandma's favorite treats. Everyone seems to be in your way or the lines in the stores are too long and you have no time to be wasting just standing there. Have you ever stopped to ask how you can be a witness of the Christ child at that very moment instead of growing impatient in line? Everyone else is in line too, everyone else is standing there with a million and one things to do as well so what better time than to let the light of Christ shine through you instead of the darkside of man.
I recently went shopping to pick up items for my annual Christmas baking at the local grocery store. It was busy as expected and the shelves not always exactly stocked with what I needed but it wasn't too bad. As I was putting butter in my shopping cart for those tasty treats a young mother came through pushing her cart and obviously very stressed. She was trying to quickly get through the store with her newborn screaming at the top of her lungs. As she walked by me trying to quiet the little one, I jokingly said maybe she's just cold coming through the dairy aisle. She looked at me and in desperation said, "I don't know what to do I can't seem to make her stop crying, I don't know what she needs and everyone keeps starring at me thinking that I do." In a second my heart went out to this young lady. She had a million and one things to do as well I imagine but she also had a baby at that very moment demanding her time and attention and she was losing the battle to keep it together. I had the choice at that very moment to be about my own business or I could choose to let the light of Christ shine through me. I chose the later. I didn't know what her little one needed, but I could take a moment and talk with her. As we talked the little one began to calm down along with mom and within a few moments the little one was sound asleep. "They will do even greater things..." you may be thinking that's not a great thing, but I think at that moment the young mother who was going to be able to finish her shopping knowing her baby was resting, that it was pretty great.
How are you glorifying God this season with your actions and attitude? Are you being the light of Christ or are you too busy to stop and be a witness? Is this a season about you and your needs or is this a season about a babe born in a manger who grew up to be a man who walked this earth teaching peace and good will towards man.
Merry Christmas,
Heather
As I was driving to work this morning listening to this scripture it hit me that this time of year is an even greater opportunity to be a witness. Many view Christmas time as a special time of year even if they aren't Christian and have no faith in the baby born in the manger or the man who walked this earth teaching peace and good will towards man. It's simply a time of spending time with loved ones and getting caught up in the joy of the season. I can't help but think that God planned it that way, that he orchestrated this holiday season as a way for mankind to show one another compassion if only for a brief season and to bring all of us together when otherwise we often are divided. How many this season participated in food drives, toys for tots, adopt a families, etc? Amazing how during the Christmas season, moreso than any other time during our calendar year, we pull together to help one another in need. "They will do even greater things..." It truly is a great thing to be able to help someone who is struggling a bit more than we are isn't it?
But there is a flip side to this goodwill attitude isn't there? The side of man, the flesh, that comes out during this time of year as well. You see them or maybe are "them" while out shopping to find little Timmy that toy he's been asking for weeks for or picking up the last of those chocolate chips to make Grandma's favorite treats. Everyone seems to be in your way or the lines in the stores are too long and you have no time to be wasting just standing there. Have you ever stopped to ask how you can be a witness of the Christ child at that very moment instead of growing impatient in line? Everyone else is in line too, everyone else is standing there with a million and one things to do as well so what better time than to let the light of Christ shine through you instead of the darkside of man.
I recently went shopping to pick up items for my annual Christmas baking at the local grocery store. It was busy as expected and the shelves not always exactly stocked with what I needed but it wasn't too bad. As I was putting butter in my shopping cart for those tasty treats a young mother came through pushing her cart and obviously very stressed. She was trying to quickly get through the store with her newborn screaming at the top of her lungs. As she walked by me trying to quiet the little one, I jokingly said maybe she's just cold coming through the dairy aisle. She looked at me and in desperation said, "I don't know what to do I can't seem to make her stop crying, I don't know what she needs and everyone keeps starring at me thinking that I do." In a second my heart went out to this young lady. She had a million and one things to do as well I imagine but she also had a baby at that very moment demanding her time and attention and she was losing the battle to keep it together. I had the choice at that very moment to be about my own business or I could choose to let the light of Christ shine through me. I chose the later. I didn't know what her little one needed, but I could take a moment and talk with her. As we talked the little one began to calm down along with mom and within a few moments the little one was sound asleep. "They will do even greater things..." you may be thinking that's not a great thing, but I think at that moment the young mother who was going to be able to finish her shopping knowing her baby was resting, that it was pretty great.
How are you glorifying God this season with your actions and attitude? Are you being the light of Christ or are you too busy to stop and be a witness? Is this a season about you and your needs or is this a season about a babe born in a manger who grew up to be a man who walked this earth teaching peace and good will towards man.
Merry Christmas,
Heather
Monday, December 5, 2011
It's a Wonderful Life; James 1:17
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
There was something about this verse that reminded me of Christmas. Perhaps the mention of the perfect gift or maybe the reference to lights. Shifting shadows could easily have been shifting snows and there we'd picture a wintery scene. Amazing how reading scripture time and time again gives us different imagery and meaning.
This year I've struggled with preparing for the holidays, more specifically, preparing for what many refer to as Christmas. I say it this way because I've been preparing my heart for Christmas but not in the way the commercial world markets it. I have no issues with the retail world or even all the great celebrations of giving, sharing and lighting up the world just a bit adding beauty to the often white backdrop of winter. We can honestly take a look at each of these things and see their positive contributions, although not always intentional, in the celebration of the greatest birth that has occurred on earth, the birth of Christ.
I recently had posted to Facebook that I just wasn't feeling the inner child in me that usually appears this time of year. Decorating the house, trimming the tree, purchasing gifts and baking treats. This year instead I looked at all of that as WORK and not work that I wanted to do. I have some amazing people that encouraged me and yes I did get the decorating done and there are even gifts under our tree. I've actually been celebrating Christmas but in a different way this year. I've not focused on finding the perfect gift, for you see we've already received that. I've not focused on stringing the lights because we've already been given the greatest of lights. This Christmas I've been celebrating my Jesus' birth in a personal and deep way.
I was blessed to be part of a group that provided carols to a shopping area adjacent to a live manger scene. There we celebrated our Savior's Birth and were able to share with people who have never heard of Mary, Joseph and the little baby Jesus. I've been preparing for a Christmas celebration coming up in the next couple of weeks that has me reading "The Christmas Story" from Luke and looking forward to sharing in the celebration with dear friends and family. I've spent time with my husband in song which creates such a strong bond between us. That to me is Christmas, the real deal... greatest bargain I will find this season and in any season.
Last night as we finally began decorating our home and putting up the Christmas tree we did our traditional thing and dragged out all of our Christmas movies. Some are funny and some are heart tugging. Something changes in my heart when I watch and listen while decorating, a smile appears knowing that we're blessed to have another year together to carry on traditions. I find I focus more on the blessings that we have and less on the rough times that we've endured or I know lie ahead. Christmas can certainly be magical beyond the commercial aspects of the world.
My favorite Christmas movie is It's a Wonderful Life. It's not the most upbeat movie but it's a bit of a reality check. We can spend so much time dwelling on what we don't have, how our plans didn't quite turn out the way we'd planned them or how everyone else around us seems to be living their dreams so why can't we. Sometimes we're so busy looking around we don't see what's right in front of us and how truly blessed we are. George Bailey had dreams of adventure and exploring the world from youth but life happened and he ended up staying in his hometown, marrying a hometown girl and taking care of the family business. It wasn't his dream and he felt that life had let him down and it wasn't worth living anymore. Who would care if he didn't? What would it matter if he wasn't around? Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever wondered what life would be like for those you've encountered along life's journey if they had never had you? You have no idea the impact you've made to someone's world. George Bailey sure got an eye opener when Clarence, Angel Second Class, took him on a stroll of what life would have been like for those he envied of escaping Bedford Falls. He was reminded how wealthy he was in that he had love all around him and there isn't anything out there in life that can compare to that. Every year I cry at the same point in the movie when reading the inscription that Clarence writes to George in the book, Adventures of Tom Sawyer,
"Dear George: Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings! Love Clarence."
It really is a wonderful life when you have been given the gift that we have. Christmas is love and that love exists because of the great gift born to us that blessed day. A wonderful life doesn't mean a perfect, everything goes our way life but it's wonderful because we had a baby born in a manger, sent to earth to save man from himself. We have a wonderful life because that same man died on a wooden cross to make our sins as white as the shifting snow. Count yourself blessed if you have one person in life that you can call friend, because Christ calls you friend and he lifts you up on angel wings to carry you through the hardest parts of life because He really loves you that much.
Who can you lift up today to give them wings to fly? Who needs to hear the story of a little babe born in a manger and who ultimately died on a cross? His life wasn't easy, but his life was wonderful in that it saved you and I. One life truly does matter and God has purposed your life from before you were born to be a friend to others as a light of hope and love.
Thanks for the Wings,
Heather
There was something about this verse that reminded me of Christmas. Perhaps the mention of the perfect gift or maybe the reference to lights. Shifting shadows could easily have been shifting snows and there we'd picture a wintery scene. Amazing how reading scripture time and time again gives us different imagery and meaning.
This year I've struggled with preparing for the holidays, more specifically, preparing for what many refer to as Christmas. I say it this way because I've been preparing my heart for Christmas but not in the way the commercial world markets it. I have no issues with the retail world or even all the great celebrations of giving, sharing and lighting up the world just a bit adding beauty to the often white backdrop of winter. We can honestly take a look at each of these things and see their positive contributions, although not always intentional, in the celebration of the greatest birth that has occurred on earth, the birth of Christ.
I recently had posted to Facebook that I just wasn't feeling the inner child in me that usually appears this time of year. Decorating the house, trimming the tree, purchasing gifts and baking treats. This year instead I looked at all of that as WORK and not work that I wanted to do. I have some amazing people that encouraged me and yes I did get the decorating done and there are even gifts under our tree. I've actually been celebrating Christmas but in a different way this year. I've not focused on finding the perfect gift, for you see we've already received that. I've not focused on stringing the lights because we've already been given the greatest of lights. This Christmas I've been celebrating my Jesus' birth in a personal and deep way.
I was blessed to be part of a group that provided carols to a shopping area adjacent to a live manger scene. There we celebrated our Savior's Birth and were able to share with people who have never heard of Mary, Joseph and the little baby Jesus. I've been preparing for a Christmas celebration coming up in the next couple of weeks that has me reading "The Christmas Story" from Luke and looking forward to sharing in the celebration with dear friends and family. I've spent time with my husband in song which creates such a strong bond between us. That to me is Christmas, the real deal... greatest bargain I will find this season and in any season.
Last night as we finally began decorating our home and putting up the Christmas tree we did our traditional thing and dragged out all of our Christmas movies. Some are funny and some are heart tugging. Something changes in my heart when I watch and listen while decorating, a smile appears knowing that we're blessed to have another year together to carry on traditions. I find I focus more on the blessings that we have and less on the rough times that we've endured or I know lie ahead. Christmas can certainly be magical beyond the commercial aspects of the world.
My favorite Christmas movie is It's a Wonderful Life. It's not the most upbeat movie but it's a bit of a reality check. We can spend so much time dwelling on what we don't have, how our plans didn't quite turn out the way we'd planned them or how everyone else around us seems to be living their dreams so why can't we. Sometimes we're so busy looking around we don't see what's right in front of us and how truly blessed we are. George Bailey had dreams of adventure and exploring the world from youth but life happened and he ended up staying in his hometown, marrying a hometown girl and taking care of the family business. It wasn't his dream and he felt that life had let him down and it wasn't worth living anymore. Who would care if he didn't? What would it matter if he wasn't around? Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever wondered what life would be like for those you've encountered along life's journey if they had never had you? You have no idea the impact you've made to someone's world. George Bailey sure got an eye opener when Clarence, Angel Second Class, took him on a stroll of what life would have been like for those he envied of escaping Bedford Falls. He was reminded how wealthy he was in that he had love all around him and there isn't anything out there in life that can compare to that. Every year I cry at the same point in the movie when reading the inscription that Clarence writes to George in the book, Adventures of Tom Sawyer,
"Dear George: Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings! Love Clarence."
It really is a wonderful life when you have been given the gift that we have. Christmas is love and that love exists because of the great gift born to us that blessed day. A wonderful life doesn't mean a perfect, everything goes our way life but it's wonderful because we had a baby born in a manger, sent to earth to save man from himself. We have a wonderful life because that same man died on a wooden cross to make our sins as white as the shifting snow. Count yourself blessed if you have one person in life that you can call friend, because Christ calls you friend and he lifts you up on angel wings to carry you through the hardest parts of life because He really loves you that much.
Who can you lift up today to give them wings to fly? Who needs to hear the story of a little babe born in a manger and who ultimately died on a cross? His life wasn't easy, but his life was wonderful in that it saved you and I. One life truly does matter and God has purposed your life from before you were born to be a friend to others as a light of hope and love.
Thanks for the Wings,
Heather
Monday, November 21, 2011
Drama Free; John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
By definition drama according to Merriam-Webster is: "a composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance."
Or according to the Urban Dictionary: "Something women and especially teenage girls thrive on. Consisting on any number of situations that have an easy solution, which would bring a fairly good outcome. But these girls choose bad ways to deal with it. Again consisting of backstabbing, blackmailing, gossiping, betraying their friends or the all too common "I want to break up with him but I still love him!" It drives men and what I like to call "normal" girls nuts." I have to give a personal commentary, men sometimes can be drama addicts too.
I have no idea why or for whom God wanted this blog written for but I have to say that my motto is Drama Free Living For Me. I don't like drama and I don't invite it to take up residence in my home. The bottom line is that we all have problems of varying size and intensity but drama is what again.... an easy solution and the result of dealing with the problem(s) in bad ways. I choose to avoid drama even if that means eliminating relationships. It's about making the right choices which sometimes are the hard choices that cause us to grow in strength, character and knowledge.
The thief (drama, aka Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus Christ) have come that they (Us) may have life and have it to the full (abundance). What does that mean? Satan doesn't want your life to be drama free, he wants to steal, kill and destroy your dreams, your hopes and your peace of mind. Is life hard sometimes and trials seem to be never ending? It can seem that way, but we can turn to the word instead of turning to the world repeating bad choices that end as they always have, BADLY.
What do you choose today? Do you choose to live a drama free life with Christ or do you choose the thief (drama) that has come to steal, kill and destroy you? I can't promise you that you will never have problems or that life won't seem overwhelming sometimes but I can promise you what God promised you in his word to give you hope and a future. Today is a new day and it can be Drama Free.
Blessings,
Heather
By definition drama according to Merriam-Webster is: "a composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance."
Or according to the Urban Dictionary: "Something women and especially teenage girls thrive on. Consisting on any number of situations that have an easy solution, which would bring a fairly good outcome. But these girls choose bad ways to deal with it. Again consisting of backstabbing, blackmailing, gossiping, betraying their friends or the all too common "I want to break up with him but I still love him!" It drives men and what I like to call "normal" girls nuts." I have to give a personal commentary, men sometimes can be drama addicts too.
I have no idea why or for whom God wanted this blog written for but I have to say that my motto is Drama Free Living For Me. I don't like drama and I don't invite it to take up residence in my home. The bottom line is that we all have problems of varying size and intensity but drama is what again.... an easy solution and the result of dealing with the problem(s) in bad ways. I choose to avoid drama even if that means eliminating relationships. It's about making the right choices which sometimes are the hard choices that cause us to grow in strength, character and knowledge.
The thief (drama, aka Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus Christ) have come that they (Us) may have life and have it to the full (abundance). What does that mean? Satan doesn't want your life to be drama free, he wants to steal, kill and destroy your dreams, your hopes and your peace of mind. Is life hard sometimes and trials seem to be never ending? It can seem that way, but we can turn to the word instead of turning to the world repeating bad choices that end as they always have, BADLY.
What do you choose today? Do you choose to live a drama free life with Christ or do you choose the thief (drama) that has come to steal, kill and destroy you? I can't promise you that you will never have problems or that life won't seem overwhelming sometimes but I can promise you what God promised you in his word to give you hope and a future. Today is a new day and it can be Drama Free.
Blessings,
Heather
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)