" Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."
hmmm, I bet you are wondering what exactly is this lady going to share with us today with that kind of title aren't you? I know it struck me a bit odd myself when I thought about it but I get it so let me share.
Sometimes I need to be reminded that God is bigger than all my happy times, all my sad times and all my in between times. Sometimes I need to be reminded that my God is bigger than my worry, my guilt, my shame, my pain. Sometimes I need to be reminded that my God is bigger than my celebrations, my hopes, my dreams and my plans. Sometimes I just need to be reminded that HE is GOD and I am simply blessed that He is who He is and I am who I am.
I've been part of a Bible study on Thursday nights that has begun peeling back some of the not so pretty parts of me, you know those parts that you hope no one will ever know and that you'll always be able to cover up and pretend that they don't exist? You know what happens when you pull off a scab (sorry, I know that is gross)... sometimes it hurts and the area feels tender and sometimes even bleeds a bit until it begins to heal. God has been peeling off the "scabs" of my wounds of long ago and has begun a healing in me like I can't explain. He's not only begun to heal those wounds but he's given me a lot of precious band-aids called sisters who are walking the journey with me in this class. They have "STUCK" through this class with me and we have seen wonderful things happening in each other. (that was a little play on words as the study is called Stuck by Jennie Allen). This class served as a reminder to the one who caused all those wounds to begin with, the enemy of God and man, who God is and just how big he is.
Each week we are given homework and an on-going question is "Who are you Lord?" The first week I had my canned answer, sounded good, sounded just about perfect with all it's polish and by this week I began to really ask that question honestly. Who are you, Lord? He shared with me just today actually that he is the door when I pray for a window. You see that's how big my God is. He doesn't just give me what I pray for, he gives me more. He goes one bigger and better than what I can envision for my own life. I know that I can trust him with my whole being and that people will poke at the wound, maybe re-injure me but my God will be there to supply me with the "band-aids" to mend me and make me whole.
Scripture tells us " Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." I've opened the door, the one God designed specifically for me. In me he didn't create a window to my soul... he went one bigger. My God is bigger.
Are you claiming a window when God gave you a door? Have you bolted the lock so tightly that you've stopped all blessings coming in and going out because of the wounds that surround your heart? Is today the day that you stop and answer the knock and hear his voice so that he can come in and be life within you?
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
The Journey; Proverbs 16:9
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."
This is the time of year that school ends for many young people, some are beginning their next step of their journey as they exit from what others tell them they have to accomplish to graduate, to actually making decisions that impact their future. It's a scary and exciting time for both the graduate and the family. But it doesn't end there does it? We continue on with our journey making plans and then changing them and making new ones and changing them and on and on.
How many are doing exactly what they planned and in the exact manner that they planned it? I'd say not many... maybe a few of you, but that's not the normal course of action. I remember as a little girl I wanted to be a weather girl because it looked like a cool job, but then I found out that it wasn't just pointing at a weather map with a pretty smile on my face and well my course of action changed. Then I decided I wanted to be a teacher as I loved English and thought yah that's what I want to do and then I changed my mind again. I loathed high school, it wasn't an easy place for a girl who had low self-esteem but never wanted anyone to know that. To escape I decided to go to the local vocational school and for me it was a great choice. It boosted my self-confidence and gave me a profession in IT where I've experienced success and have been overall happy with the career.
After I lost my son I decided the best thing I could do for myself was to go back to school and get a degree in Psychology (Social Psychology to be more exact) and try to heal my broken heart by understanding how the mind works. It was a good choice, but as you are now aware by reading this it wasn't my original choice. Proverbs 16:9 says the Lord determines my steps. You see God knew what my journey would be, although sometimes I made a lot of turns and sometimes, in my best GPS sounding voice, legal U-turns, it wasn't the course that I had planned in the beginning. To be totally honest and revealing... I still don't have a clue what I want to be when I grow up but somehow I just know that God does and he's been ordering my steps from before the moment that I thought I wanted to be a weather girl. The twists and turns that life has taken have been part of that journey that is leading me to my future moments. The older I get the wiser I get, not in my own understanding, but in the simple truth that I can trust God with all things which includes all of my tomorrows. His plans have always turned out better than mine, I'm finally getting that and it's a big stress reliever knowing that I don't have to have it all planned out because God already does.
So if you are a recent graduate, congratulations! You have nothing to fear, trust in the Lord... He has your steps already ordered and you can rest in that his plan is greater than any plan you can imagine. Do the work, listen to his call and step in faith as he has called and ordered.
Blessings,
Heather
This is the time of year that school ends for many young people, some are beginning their next step of their journey as they exit from what others tell them they have to accomplish to graduate, to actually making decisions that impact their future. It's a scary and exciting time for both the graduate and the family. But it doesn't end there does it? We continue on with our journey making plans and then changing them and making new ones and changing them and on and on.
How many are doing exactly what they planned and in the exact manner that they planned it? I'd say not many... maybe a few of you, but that's not the normal course of action. I remember as a little girl I wanted to be a weather girl because it looked like a cool job, but then I found out that it wasn't just pointing at a weather map with a pretty smile on my face and well my course of action changed. Then I decided I wanted to be a teacher as I loved English and thought yah that's what I want to do and then I changed my mind again. I loathed high school, it wasn't an easy place for a girl who had low self-esteem but never wanted anyone to know that. To escape I decided to go to the local vocational school and for me it was a great choice. It boosted my self-confidence and gave me a profession in IT where I've experienced success and have been overall happy with the career.
After I lost my son I decided the best thing I could do for myself was to go back to school and get a degree in Psychology (Social Psychology to be more exact) and try to heal my broken heart by understanding how the mind works. It was a good choice, but as you are now aware by reading this it wasn't my original choice. Proverbs 16:9 says the Lord determines my steps. You see God knew what my journey would be, although sometimes I made a lot of turns and sometimes, in my best GPS sounding voice, legal U-turns, it wasn't the course that I had planned in the beginning. To be totally honest and revealing... I still don't have a clue what I want to be when I grow up but somehow I just know that God does and he's been ordering my steps from before the moment that I thought I wanted to be a weather girl. The twists and turns that life has taken have been part of that journey that is leading me to my future moments. The older I get the wiser I get, not in my own understanding, but in the simple truth that I can trust God with all things which includes all of my tomorrows. His plans have always turned out better than mine, I'm finally getting that and it's a big stress reliever knowing that I don't have to have it all planned out because God already does.
So if you are a recent graduate, congratulations! You have nothing to fear, trust in the Lord... He has your steps already ordered and you can rest in that his plan is greater than any plan you can imagine. Do the work, listen to his call and step in faith as he has called and ordered.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Hide and Seek; Revelation 3:20
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."
Today I was able to be part of a beautiful celebration for Mother's Day, a holiday that typically is a day that reminds me of deep pain and loss. I wasn't sure this year, honestly, if I was going to be strong enough to get through the day as planned. As late as Friday evening I was questioning whether or not I was going to be able to do all that was expected and asked of me or if I was going to call a timeout and stay at home. It wasn't on my own strength that I was able to serve. It was through the strength of Christ that resides in me and in my sisters that are always praying and standing in the gap for me calling on Jesus to give me what I need to sustain me in moments of weakness and need. I pray that all that read this have sisters and brothers like this who will, if need be, go to their knees in prayer for you. If you don't... please contact me and I will pray for you and have my prayer warriors do the same. Today was a reminder of just how powerful prayer is and how it works each time we call on Jesus.
Until last year I could not drag myself to attend church service on Mother's Day in fear that I'd fall apart. It was as if that next step in my healing journey was too steep of a climb. Sixteen years I stayed home on Mother's Day. that's a long time. Too paralyzed to want to go forward and knowing I didn't want to go back so I just remained where I was, stuck in a place where healing I thought couldn't find me. If I could just hide out that one day a year then maybe I could just pretend the pain wasn't there the other 364 days. But there's a thing about hiding, you eventually do want to be found. There were times as a child while playing hide and seek that I actually would change my hiding place while I was"it" because it became lonely when no one else was around. I wanted someone to see me, to call out my name and find me because I didn't want to be alone. God didn't create us to journey alone and I thank him each day that he places people along side me. I thank him that he has placed in my heart a desire to stand along side others as well and to pray with them and for them just as they do for me.
My heart and life forever changed on February 12, 1994 with the death of my son. It again changed on January 23, 2008 with the loss of my mom. Mother's Day would never be the same. But I can't keep hiding away safe in the four walls of my home if I truly desire to stand alongside others and be a witness for Christ. I have to be found even in moments of weakness so that others see the work the father is doing in me. I am not perfect, I am not always strong but I know one who is perfect and who's strength carries us even on days that are difficult at best. Today I win another battle because I came out of my hiding place with a blanket of prayer covering me and my heavenly father holding my hand ready to be found stronger than the year before. Was it an easy day? No it wasn't. But I had moments to celebrate. I had a church family embrace me, sisters praying for me and my family given to me by birth surprising me by coming and letting me know they were there... they all found me today so I could come out of my hiding place.
Where are you hiding today? God is seeking you, is it time to be found? He is standing at the door of your heart knocking... do you hear the knock? Can you allow him to release you from your hiding place to be free? God is ready to dine with you if only you would hear his voice. Let him in... the game of hide and seek is only fun when you eventually are found.
Blessings,
Heather
Today I was able to be part of a beautiful celebration for Mother's Day, a holiday that typically is a day that reminds me of deep pain and loss. I wasn't sure this year, honestly, if I was going to be strong enough to get through the day as planned. As late as Friday evening I was questioning whether or not I was going to be able to do all that was expected and asked of me or if I was going to call a timeout and stay at home. It wasn't on my own strength that I was able to serve. It was through the strength of Christ that resides in me and in my sisters that are always praying and standing in the gap for me calling on Jesus to give me what I need to sustain me in moments of weakness and need. I pray that all that read this have sisters and brothers like this who will, if need be, go to their knees in prayer for you. If you don't... please contact me and I will pray for you and have my prayer warriors do the same. Today was a reminder of just how powerful prayer is and how it works each time we call on Jesus.
Until last year I could not drag myself to attend church service on Mother's Day in fear that I'd fall apart. It was as if that next step in my healing journey was too steep of a climb. Sixteen years I stayed home on Mother's Day. that's a long time. Too paralyzed to want to go forward and knowing I didn't want to go back so I just remained where I was, stuck in a place where healing I thought couldn't find me. If I could just hide out that one day a year then maybe I could just pretend the pain wasn't there the other 364 days. But there's a thing about hiding, you eventually do want to be found. There were times as a child while playing hide and seek that I actually would change my hiding place while I was"it" because it became lonely when no one else was around. I wanted someone to see me, to call out my name and find me because I didn't want to be alone. God didn't create us to journey alone and I thank him each day that he places people along side me. I thank him that he has placed in my heart a desire to stand along side others as well and to pray with them and for them just as they do for me.
My heart and life forever changed on February 12, 1994 with the death of my son. It again changed on January 23, 2008 with the loss of my mom. Mother's Day would never be the same. But I can't keep hiding away safe in the four walls of my home if I truly desire to stand alongside others and be a witness for Christ. I have to be found even in moments of weakness so that others see the work the father is doing in me. I am not perfect, I am not always strong but I know one who is perfect and who's strength carries us even on days that are difficult at best. Today I win another battle because I came out of my hiding place with a blanket of prayer covering me and my heavenly father holding my hand ready to be found stronger than the year before. Was it an easy day? No it wasn't. But I had moments to celebrate. I had a church family embrace me, sisters praying for me and my family given to me by birth surprising me by coming and letting me know they were there... they all found me today so I could come out of my hiding place.
Where are you hiding today? God is seeking you, is it time to be found? He is standing at the door of your heart knocking... do you hear the knock? Can you allow him to release you from your hiding place to be free? God is ready to dine with you if only you would hear his voice. Let him in... the game of hide and seek is only fun when you eventually are found.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Restoration; 1 Peter 5:10
"The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
Do you ever take a moment to reflect and see how far you've come and the obstacles you've overcome in this race we call life? I ponder the things I've gone through and where I am today sometimes and I know that it was only by the strength that God provided me that I came through determined and more whole. I must admit that there were moments that I questioned, "God, how did you pull me through that?", or an even greater question, "God, why did you pull me through that?"
Do you ever question God as to why or how he did something in your life? I use to think that I wasn't allowed to question God but I was reminded that I am human and though I may try not to question God or his sovereignty (unlimited power), I do. And I really think it's OK for me to ask the questions that my mind just can't wrap itself around because afterall I am limited in my abilities to think beyond what I know and God is limitless because he is sovereign. It's humbling for me to be reminded of who he is and who I am and that only he holds all my answers and can restore my life.
There have been times in my life that professionals have questioned whether I was going to live or if my time on this side of heaven was over. It happened not long after my birth and it happened almost 20 years ago and honestly several times in between along the way. Due to circumstances, situations and people placed in my life there were times that my existence was put to the test and God said, No... it's not time. There was even a time when I prayed, "God let this be my time...I don't want to be here any longer." I entered a very dark place called depression and although I never harmed myself I prayed each morning and night that God would show mercy and remove me from this temporary home. Do you know how many people knew I was going through that at the time? Yep, you guessed it... no one but my God. He alone walked that journey with me and he restored my desire for life. He reminded me that I have a purpose and that He had a plan for me to fulfill. He also reminded me of the great love that he has for me. In that storm of my life, God restored the broken little girl inside me and strengthened me, firmed up my belief and faith in him and caused a steadfast walk that I knew I'd never walk alone.
I can't say that I don't still have struggles but I do know who to turn to when the waves come crashing down on me and I feel like I just can't make it. Do you know the master of your seas? Do you know the maker of all things in a very real and personal way? Do you rest in knowing that God has all the answers to the whys and hows and you need not be concerned about them? Is it time that you allow God to restore pieces of your life in making you whole again?
Blessings,
Heather
Do you ever take a moment to reflect and see how far you've come and the obstacles you've overcome in this race we call life? I ponder the things I've gone through and where I am today sometimes and I know that it was only by the strength that God provided me that I came through determined and more whole. I must admit that there were moments that I questioned, "God, how did you pull me through that?", or an even greater question, "God, why did you pull me through that?"
Do you ever question God as to why or how he did something in your life? I use to think that I wasn't allowed to question God but I was reminded that I am human and though I may try not to question God or his sovereignty (unlimited power), I do. And I really think it's OK for me to ask the questions that my mind just can't wrap itself around because afterall I am limited in my abilities to think beyond what I know and God is limitless because he is sovereign. It's humbling for me to be reminded of who he is and who I am and that only he holds all my answers and can restore my life.
There have been times in my life that professionals have questioned whether I was going to live or if my time on this side of heaven was over. It happened not long after my birth and it happened almost 20 years ago and honestly several times in between along the way. Due to circumstances, situations and people placed in my life there were times that my existence was put to the test and God said, No... it's not time. There was even a time when I prayed, "God let this be my time...I don't want to be here any longer." I entered a very dark place called depression and although I never harmed myself I prayed each morning and night that God would show mercy and remove me from this temporary home. Do you know how many people knew I was going through that at the time? Yep, you guessed it... no one but my God. He alone walked that journey with me and he restored my desire for life. He reminded me that I have a purpose and that He had a plan for me to fulfill. He also reminded me of the great love that he has for me. In that storm of my life, God restored the broken little girl inside me and strengthened me, firmed up my belief and faith in him and caused a steadfast walk that I knew I'd never walk alone.
I can't say that I don't still have struggles but I do know who to turn to when the waves come crashing down on me and I feel like I just can't make it. Do you know the master of your seas? Do you know the maker of all things in a very real and personal way? Do you rest in knowing that God has all the answers to the whys and hows and you need not be concerned about them? Is it time that you allow God to restore pieces of your life in making you whole again?
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, April 15, 2012
I think I can; Isaiah 40:29
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
Do you remember the story of the little engine that could? I think most people that grew up in the states, grew up hearing this tale. Do you realize the first publishing of this story was called, "Story of the Engine that Thought It Could", appearing in the New York Tribune, 8 April 1906, as part of a sermon by the Rev. Charles S. Wing. A short story that has lasted throughout many lifetimes and adapted even by a Walt Disney's classic. In the 1941 Disney movie "Dumbo" the work train taking the circus animals to their destination pulls its cargo up a hill repeating the well known saying "I-Think-I-Can-I-Think-I-Can" and rolls down the hill saying "I-Thought-I-Could-I-Thought-I-Could".
We are often that work train aren't we? We start our journey with full on enthusiasm and then we reach a hilltop that just seems so steep or an obstacle that seems too wide to get beyond and our story quickly changes from I think I can to I thought I could and just like that our journey ends, incomplete. Why? There are a number of scriptures in the word that focus on strength but I haven't found one that says quit, give up there is no hope. Just the opposite, we are reminded time and time again that our strength comes for the Lord and in our weakness he restores our strength. Do we really understand that? Do we get what our father is trying to tell us? He's telling us there is NOTHING impossible for him, nothing. But somehow we want to try to rely on our own strength when we are broken, tired and weak. He tells us in Isaiah that "he gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" When we are about to reach that mountain top and the incline seems more than our "little engine" can handle, GOD gives us strength and increases the power in our weakness. Do you get that? It's not by our strength that we accomplish anything, it's only through the divine strength that we are given and blessed with each day.
I know too many times I've pressed forward in a mission God has called me into only to find myself sliding backwards down the hill because I try to rely on MY understanding and MY strength and MY... fill in the blank. I fail and I fail big when I do this. God gently reminds me that it's not about me or what gifts or talents I have, it's about his calling on my life and the gifts he calls me to use at an appointed time. Without the anointing of the holy spirit moving my little engine, I end up stuck on the track unable to move forward. Philippians 4:13 tells us that "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Isaiah 41:10 tells us, "... I will strengthen you and help you...", Psalm 29:14 says, "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." Exodus 15:2 says, "The Lord is my strength and my song..." On and on the scriptures tell us of his strength and how we can walk boldly and with confidence because we are strengthen through Christ.
What condition is your "little engine" in today? Are there tracks lying ahead that you fear, hesitant to jump onto because you don't feel you are equipped, ready for the journey? Are you sliding back down that mountaintop or do you think you can...think you can....think you can through the strength and power afforded to you from God the father? Is the Holy Spirit fueling your train bound for glory or are you trying to run on the fumes of this world leaving you stranded in the middle of the track?
Blessings,
Heather
Do you remember the story of the little engine that could? I think most people that grew up in the states, grew up hearing this tale. Do you realize the first publishing of this story was called, "Story of the Engine that Thought It Could", appearing in the New York Tribune, 8 April 1906, as part of a sermon by the Rev. Charles S. Wing. A short story that has lasted throughout many lifetimes and adapted even by a Walt Disney's classic. In the 1941 Disney movie "Dumbo" the work train taking the circus animals to their destination pulls its cargo up a hill repeating the well known saying "I-Think-I-Can-I-Think-I-Can" and rolls down the hill saying "I-Thought-I-Could-I-Thought-I-Could".
We are often that work train aren't we? We start our journey with full on enthusiasm and then we reach a hilltop that just seems so steep or an obstacle that seems too wide to get beyond and our story quickly changes from I think I can to I thought I could and just like that our journey ends, incomplete. Why? There are a number of scriptures in the word that focus on strength but I haven't found one that says quit, give up there is no hope. Just the opposite, we are reminded time and time again that our strength comes for the Lord and in our weakness he restores our strength. Do we really understand that? Do we get what our father is trying to tell us? He's telling us there is NOTHING impossible for him, nothing. But somehow we want to try to rely on our own strength when we are broken, tired and weak. He tells us in Isaiah that "he gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" When we are about to reach that mountain top and the incline seems more than our "little engine" can handle, GOD gives us strength and increases the power in our weakness. Do you get that? It's not by our strength that we accomplish anything, it's only through the divine strength that we are given and blessed with each day.
I know too many times I've pressed forward in a mission God has called me into only to find myself sliding backwards down the hill because I try to rely on MY understanding and MY strength and MY... fill in the blank. I fail and I fail big when I do this. God gently reminds me that it's not about me or what gifts or talents I have, it's about his calling on my life and the gifts he calls me to use at an appointed time. Without the anointing of the holy spirit moving my little engine, I end up stuck on the track unable to move forward. Philippians 4:13 tells us that "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Isaiah 41:10 tells us, "... I will strengthen you and help you...", Psalm 29:14 says, "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." Exodus 15:2 says, "The Lord is my strength and my song..." On and on the scriptures tell us of his strength and how we can walk boldly and with confidence because we are strengthen through Christ.
What condition is your "little engine" in today? Are there tracks lying ahead that you fear, hesitant to jump onto because you don't feel you are equipped, ready for the journey? Are you sliding back down that mountaintop or do you think you can...think you can....think you can through the strength and power afforded to you from God the father? Is the Holy Spirit fueling your train bound for glory or are you trying to run on the fumes of this world leaving you stranded in the middle of the track?
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Change; Titus 3:1
"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good."
How many of you find yourself being disobedient? For some this thought may not have entered your mind in quite some time as we tend to focus on children when we think of being obedient or disobedient. What we may fail to remember is that we are all children... of God. I know there are times when I rebel and find that I'm disobedient when he calls me to change. Change is not always comfortable, often it's quite the opposite and can be painful and we don't like to have to go through the pain to see the plan do we?
I thought this week God would lay on my heart to share about his son's resurrection and the passion of Christ but he laid the word change on my heart to share with each of you instead. For those that know me personally, you know that last fall I was given a surplus notice that the position I hold is being eliminated. It was hard to hear those words. I was reminded by my supervisor that I wasn't being eliminated, simply my position. But I thought to myself, my position is my whole purpose for being here. Wrong answer. How quick am I to forget that God has bigger plans that just some "job", some "position" I hold. I am reminded to be ready to do whatever is good, change is good when it's God prompting it. Some may not have seen it as a God directed change but I do.
This past year God has blessed me and showed me such favor, nothing that I've deserved or earned but given to me because of my obedience. I've seen favor in my personal life and throughout my career. There have been jobs that I really wasn't qualified for, but God wanted me in that position for that season for a reason and he allowed me to learn what I needed to learn quickly. I can look back now and see how either I grew or another grew because of God placing me where he did. I've learned that my God really does open and shut doors.
After the initial shock of learning my position was going to be gone within the year, I gained a sense of peace that honestly I was a little surprised by. That's trust coming into action... I turned it over and let God take it from there and he did. He really did. Not only did he find me another position, he gave me options. When does that happen? Who does that happen to? To me, to you, to his children when his children are obedient and subject to rulers and authorities placed over them. I'd rather follow God's plan than the plans of man any day. No man (or woman) can create for us a plan that God doesn't approve first. Personnel didn't find me another position without God first giving his approval of where he needed and wanted me to be. That's how I know and find peace when the world around me changes, I know there is nothing and no one greater than my Abba Father. Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." We have favor and honor and walk blameless because the son of God already paid the price.
What change is God asking you to make lately? Career? Relationships? Physical location? Church family? Perhaps he's even asking you to change your thinking, your actions or reactions. Whatever change God is asking you to make, trust him. Our God has already been to all of our tomorrows, with that we should fear no change.
Blessings,
Heather
How many of you find yourself being disobedient? For some this thought may not have entered your mind in quite some time as we tend to focus on children when we think of being obedient or disobedient. What we may fail to remember is that we are all children... of God. I know there are times when I rebel and find that I'm disobedient when he calls me to change. Change is not always comfortable, often it's quite the opposite and can be painful and we don't like to have to go through the pain to see the plan do we?
I thought this week God would lay on my heart to share about his son's resurrection and the passion of Christ but he laid the word change on my heart to share with each of you instead. For those that know me personally, you know that last fall I was given a surplus notice that the position I hold is being eliminated. It was hard to hear those words. I was reminded by my supervisor that I wasn't being eliminated, simply my position. But I thought to myself, my position is my whole purpose for being here. Wrong answer. How quick am I to forget that God has bigger plans that just some "job", some "position" I hold. I am reminded to be ready to do whatever is good, change is good when it's God prompting it. Some may not have seen it as a God directed change but I do.
This past year God has blessed me and showed me such favor, nothing that I've deserved or earned but given to me because of my obedience. I've seen favor in my personal life and throughout my career. There have been jobs that I really wasn't qualified for, but God wanted me in that position for that season for a reason and he allowed me to learn what I needed to learn quickly. I can look back now and see how either I grew or another grew because of God placing me where he did. I've learned that my God really does open and shut doors.
After the initial shock of learning my position was going to be gone within the year, I gained a sense of peace that honestly I was a little surprised by. That's trust coming into action... I turned it over and let God take it from there and he did. He really did. Not only did he find me another position, he gave me options. When does that happen? Who does that happen to? To me, to you, to his children when his children are obedient and subject to rulers and authorities placed over them. I'd rather follow God's plan than the plans of man any day. No man (or woman) can create for us a plan that God doesn't approve first. Personnel didn't find me another position without God first giving his approval of where he needed and wanted me to be. That's how I know and find peace when the world around me changes, I know there is nothing and no one greater than my Abba Father. Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." We have favor and honor and walk blameless because the son of God already paid the price.
What change is God asking you to make lately? Career? Relationships? Physical location? Church family? Perhaps he's even asking you to change your thinking, your actions or reactions. Whatever change God is asking you to make, trust him. Our God has already been to all of our tomorrows, with that we should fear no change.
Blessings,
Heather
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Reflection; Psalm 23:1-3
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name."
How many of us have read the 23rd Psalm? My guess is that it was for many some of the first scriptures remembered and recited in a children's Sunday school class. Each time I hear a sermon preached on this passage, I always seem to understand it a little more clearly. One morning this week as I was settling into my work day, I decided that I just didn't want to be there (I know it's work, when do I ever really WANT to be there) so I filled out a leave slip, placed it on my team lead's desk and after lunch took the afternoon off.
It was a beautiful day, especially for a day in March in Ohio. We don't often have many sun-filled days this time of year instead the days can be quite gloomy with gray clouds and skies and little in the way of color as the landscape is still resting from it's winter nap. But this year it's been different and we may all be suffering a tad from spring fever. I know I certainly have it bad! The afternoon I chose to take off was absolutely gorgeous. The sun was bright and high in the sky, not a cloud to be found, perfect day to be outside. I went home, got a leash and a dog and headed to a little nature reserve that we have not too far from our home and took a short hike through the woods along the river.
At first I simply enjoyed the warmth of the afternoon and watched as the rays of sun sparkled across the water, it was as if there were millions of diamonds in the water just reflecting the brilliance of the sun. Then I began to notice the path itself and how clear it was. It wasn't the same path that I had walked along so many times. No this time it was different. It was obvious that the path had been cleared of fallen trees and debris that I had seen just this past fall when I last hiked through there. The high weeds and little saplings hadn't had a chance yet to take root and grow blocking the view to the river to one side and the hilly incline to the other. It was as if I was on a path I had never taken before... fresh, new and ready to be explored. It's exactly 1.25 miles along the river path to the big meadow the trail dumps into at the end. Often my husband and I have taken the dogs for a walk and stayed a while in the meadow just enjoying the peace and solitude that it offers.
It was during my walk that God began to speak to my heart the words from Psalm 23. He leads me beside peaceful streams, renewing my strength. He lets me rest in green meadows. He guides me along right paths. All of these words began to flood my spirit. Sometimes I simply need to rest for a moment to see God's reflection in all that he has created. It's in nature that I often feel his holy spirit breathing over me and giving me a sense of renewal in my spirit. It was in my reflection time on how the path had changed, how often my own path in life has changed. The debris of life gets cleaned up as someone comes along to help remove the obstacles that prevent me from moving forward along the path. It's often during the storms of life that God is able to come along and change the course of my path to allow fresh living waters to flood it so that I can see more clearly the path that he is creating for me.
As Kylee and I continued on our walk we were able to see God's word in action. I stopped several times to watch nature come alive along that little river. Birds were singing and dancing in the sunbeams. Geese were playing games and honking loudly enjoying the waters. An otter ran along the shoreline and in a cannonball like fashion would jump into the water and then back out onto the shore to do it all again and again. People were walking their dogs, with their children and some simply were walking alone. God sometimes changes our path just so we can have an afternoon of surprise and amazement of the beauty that surrounds us in life and stop to appreciate it. He gives us moments to reflect and just be still long enough to see Him at work in our lives.
That afternoon God brought to life the words of Psalm 23 for me and reminded me that my life, my journey, the path that I'm on is all designed and created to bring my God glory and honor. I can't wait to go back onto the path and see how it differs yet again after another spring storm or as the canopy of the trees changes with new life. The path we walk along may change, twist or turn but it's not without purpose and plan by the one who created us and gives us hope and a future.
Have you read the living word lately? Have you seen it come alive in your life, along your path and have you invited God to walk a while with you sharing in the beauty he gave you? Are you so busy "working" you fail to see the new path God has created for you that he already cleared to make life a bit easier? Take a moment, breathe and look around you. God is ready to lead you by the still waters, to refresh your soul.
Blessings,
Heather
How many of us have read the 23rd Psalm? My guess is that it was for many some of the first scriptures remembered and recited in a children's Sunday school class. Each time I hear a sermon preached on this passage, I always seem to understand it a little more clearly. One morning this week as I was settling into my work day, I decided that I just didn't want to be there (I know it's work, when do I ever really WANT to be there) so I filled out a leave slip, placed it on my team lead's desk and after lunch took the afternoon off.
It was a beautiful day, especially for a day in March in Ohio. We don't often have many sun-filled days this time of year instead the days can be quite gloomy with gray clouds and skies and little in the way of color as the landscape is still resting from it's winter nap. But this year it's been different and we may all be suffering a tad from spring fever. I know I certainly have it bad! The afternoon I chose to take off was absolutely gorgeous. The sun was bright and high in the sky, not a cloud to be found, perfect day to be outside. I went home, got a leash and a dog and headed to a little nature reserve that we have not too far from our home and took a short hike through the woods along the river.
At first I simply enjoyed the warmth of the afternoon and watched as the rays of sun sparkled across the water, it was as if there were millions of diamonds in the water just reflecting the brilliance of the sun. Then I began to notice the path itself and how clear it was. It wasn't the same path that I had walked along so many times. No this time it was different. It was obvious that the path had been cleared of fallen trees and debris that I had seen just this past fall when I last hiked through there. The high weeds and little saplings hadn't had a chance yet to take root and grow blocking the view to the river to one side and the hilly incline to the other. It was as if I was on a path I had never taken before... fresh, new and ready to be explored. It's exactly 1.25 miles along the river path to the big meadow the trail dumps into at the end. Often my husband and I have taken the dogs for a walk and stayed a while in the meadow just enjoying the peace and solitude that it offers.
It was during my walk that God began to speak to my heart the words from Psalm 23. He leads me beside peaceful streams, renewing my strength. He lets me rest in green meadows. He guides me along right paths. All of these words began to flood my spirit. Sometimes I simply need to rest for a moment to see God's reflection in all that he has created. It's in nature that I often feel his holy spirit breathing over me and giving me a sense of renewal in my spirit. It was in my reflection time on how the path had changed, how often my own path in life has changed. The debris of life gets cleaned up as someone comes along to help remove the obstacles that prevent me from moving forward along the path. It's often during the storms of life that God is able to come along and change the course of my path to allow fresh living waters to flood it so that I can see more clearly the path that he is creating for me.
As Kylee and I continued on our walk we were able to see God's word in action. I stopped several times to watch nature come alive along that little river. Birds were singing and dancing in the sunbeams. Geese were playing games and honking loudly enjoying the waters. An otter ran along the shoreline and in a cannonball like fashion would jump into the water and then back out onto the shore to do it all again and again. People were walking their dogs, with their children and some simply were walking alone. God sometimes changes our path just so we can have an afternoon of surprise and amazement of the beauty that surrounds us in life and stop to appreciate it. He gives us moments to reflect and just be still long enough to see Him at work in our lives.
That afternoon God brought to life the words of Psalm 23 for me and reminded me that my life, my journey, the path that I'm on is all designed and created to bring my God glory and honor. I can't wait to go back onto the path and see how it differs yet again after another spring storm or as the canopy of the trees changes with new life. The path we walk along may change, twist or turn but it's not without purpose and plan by the one who created us and gives us hope and a future.
Have you read the living word lately? Have you seen it come alive in your life, along your path and have you invited God to walk a while with you sharing in the beauty he gave you? Are you so busy "working" you fail to see the new path God has created for you that he already cleared to make life a bit easier? Take a moment, breathe and look around you. God is ready to lead you by the still waters, to refresh your soul.
Blessings,
Heather
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