Bumpy Monday - Stand Amazed (08/16/10)

I often stand amazed at how God directs our paths. Just this week my mom and I were discussing how He laid the foundation for me to be in the right place for her to have good access to medical care during her cancer treatments. These are plans that He had in place long before we knew we would need them.

My husband and I were discussing how blessed we are to be together. Both of us have wondered what it would have been like if we had met in our 20's. As we considered that, we came to the realization that we would not cherish what we have now if we had not traveled our individual roads. I am so amazed at what God did there also.

So, why am I amazed? I know the Creator of the Universe. Why would I be surprised and amazed when things work for His glory? Does this show a lack of faith on my part? Am I missing something? No, I pray that I will always be amazed at God. He deserves my incredulous wonder and adoration. He deserves my fear and trembling. He is due all my, well, everything.

(Father God, forgive me for holding back. I pray that You will teach me to love You with total abandon and adoration. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Flashlights and Candles (03/03/08)

July 23, 2003

Psalm 18:28, 32
For thou will light my candle; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
It is God that girdeth me with strength and maketh my way perfect.

Sometimes when there doesn't seem to be anyway out of a bad, undesired situation, there is a light in the darkness. It may only be a small flicker at first but God reveals himself and the darkness disperses. Then, He clothes me in the strength to do what needs to be done. God is my modern candle - my flashlight - in a dark world. He reveals the traps and snags along my path so that I can walk safely around them. He shows me the beauty so that I might stop and enjoy. His light shows me His perfect trail ahead.

For further reading ... Psalm 18: 21-32

Bumpy Monday - Chain Letters (07/27/09)

I'm starting a new feature called Soapbox. Yes, it's where I rant or rave about something that annoys or excites me. This week's feature is Chain Letters.

Why do people ruin a good email by ending it with a "you must forward this to 5 (or more) people in order to receive a blessing?" There are so many emails that I get that "have" to be forwarded in order to get the answered prayer or the benefit of it. How insane! Why can you not just tell the story and leave it at that?

I mean, really, how often do you tell a good tale in actual conversation and then follow it with "you have to tell five other people about this in order to have your prayers answered?" Can you imagine what your dinner conversation with your husband would be like? Or, what lunch with your girlfriends would sound like?

I refuse to forward them on in that manner. If I like the story and feel like it needs to be shared with others in my life, I delete all the "works" at the end of it and send just the blessing.

(Father God, thank you for the shared blessings of life. Help me to always remember that I do not need to add anything to what You have done for me. Help me to remember You own the cattle on a thousand hills and all the gold underneath. Your blessings are bestowed as You see fit. Thank you! In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Reflections (12/31/10)

On this final day of 2010, I've not felt compelled to think back over the year.  I've not wanted to dwell on the ups an downs.  Instead I sit here doing my normal thing.  I'm here in the present.  I read the blogs on my list and wish that more were updated today.  I smile at the cat curled comfortably next to my husband's Bible on the couch.  I am again thankful to be in this place at this time.

I consider my friend, Ashley, and am grateful for her parents and their dedication to choose life.  Choosing life is a reflection of God.  Awesome.  I consider another family waiting and working patiently for their Ukrainian child.  Their desire to care for an orphan is a reflection of God.  Awesome.  My heart grows heavy when I consider my friend, Jan.  Cancer has invaded her life aggressively.  Yet, she has chosen to live with her daughter and redeem this time to the best that she can.  What a lesson for me to learn!  Sounds a bit like another reflection of God, doesn't it?  My son is defending his faith against an atheist.  Their conversation challenges me to grow more intimate with my LORD.  It requires me to see the reflection of God in His Word.

I know I can't change the past.  It has happened.  I will be exposed to the consequences of it.  And, I can fully trust God for all I need in the present.  I am so thankful to be surrounded by reflections and remembrances and realities of my God.  Awesome!

(Father God, thank you for your great and mighty presence in my life.  Thank you that you surround me with reflections of yourself in so many places.   What a joy!  Father, I pray that as this calendar year closes you will be a welcome, comforting, sustaining presence to Ashley, Angela, Jan, and us.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Faithful and Correcting (05/06/08)

This may seem like an odd title for a blog entry but it is very representative of my past few weeks. My body is physically tired from the stress of my job and the mental work that seems to surround every day. God has been faithful to provide a job for me. The job allows me to have a place to live, food to eat, and stuff I want. I have allowed the physical tiredness to distract me from the provision of God. Tonight, I was corrected.

Yes, God is faithful to give me what I need in the form of physical things. He is also faithful to give me what I need spiritually and mentally even when that means correcting me. Our church has a visiting evangelist this week. Tonights lesson was for me. It was all about being a mature Christian. 1. Mature Christians do not gossip. There is always an encouraging, uplifting, building message from a mature Christian. God showed me that I have some growing up to do. 2. Mature Christians see the blessings of burdens. God has been faithful to call to remembrance how the trials and burdens I've been through have been for His purpose. He's been working with me on this for some time. 3. Mature Christians know that to live IS Christ and to die is gain. God has much for me to learn here though He only gives me what I can handle each time.

(Lord God, forgive me for my loose lips, for the hurtful things I've said, for the negative tone about my church, for each time I have fallen short. Thank you for bridging the gulf between us so that I can know You. I cannot do this under my power, You alone are the power needed. I pray for that power to be evident through my life. Thank you for the salvation You have given to me. In Jesus name, I pray.)

Bumpy Monday - Cat Hair in the Escape (08/25/10)

Yesterday after a wonderful lunch with my husband, we were sitting in our vehicle, a Ford Escape, talking. As we were discussing things, my eyes took in the grit and grime that had collected in the console. So, I started cleaning.

Our conversation turned to the cleaning and how quickly things get dirty. My husband commented that the vehicle needed to be washed, vacuumed, waxed, etc. It was then that I noticed the cat hair.

Our cat is an indoor cat. She hasn't always been an indoor cat. She used to spend as much time outside as she did inside. Several years ago during the summer, she decided that it was much safer and comfortable to stay inside. It's not much safer or comfortable for us humans living inside because that cat still has her claws and she won't stay still long enough to for us to clip them. The last time her claws were clipped we had to sedate her. That should give you some idea as to her personality. She loves on her terms, not yours.

She has never been in the Escape. She does not ride well. I think she isn't in control so she doesn't like it. Yet, her hair is tucked in nooks and cranny's of the Escape. It is under the seat, on the seat, in the carpet, on the dash, on the window, and working it's way in the glove box.

Isn't that a lot like sin? The evidence of it is everywhere. Even if my sin does not take place in one particular area, the evidence of it is still there in other areas - just like the cat hair from the cat that has never been in the Escape. Now, think about this. It travels far. Our Escape takes us on trips hundreds of miles from our cat.

Where have you left small evidences of sin? Did you leave it at the grocery store when you were frustrated with how slow the line was moving? Did you leave it with your child as you sent him off to school with negative words ringing in his ears? Did you leave it on your husband as you silently let him know that he forgot to take out the trash?

(Father God, please forgive me for not noticing how far the evidence of my sin has spread. Help me to clean up the sin and remove it from my life. Thank you for the wonderful cat that you created to help me learn more about You and your ways. You are an awesome God. May you be honored by this today, in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Oklahoma Pineapple (01/13/08)

I've always enjoyed pineapple - from a can or even fresh. It is a sweet juicy fruit that comes in a pretty, prickly, unique container.

I learned a valuable lesson from a pineapple one summer. I had purchased a fresh pineapple for a family treat. I cut off the top, cut away the core and the rind to reveal the best part. Then, we tasted the sweet fruit. It was an every day event. Only, this time I asked my son if he wanted to plant the top.

Sure, okay. Well, we didn't really plant it. It stayed on the kitchen counter for a couple of days until I decided to do something with it. It wasn't carefully planted, I just sorta dumped it there in the compost pile with the rest of the trimmings. And then, I ignored it. But, God didn't. There was enough rain that summer to keep it watered. Then, after a period of time, I noticed that it was putting out new leaves. Hmmm... It had put down roots and begun to grow. How exciting, a pineapple in Oklahoma. This thing had been chopped off at the heart and abandoned in a pile of rotting stuff. Yet, God added some fertile soil and just enough water to cause new growth. Oh, God is good!

Did my pineapple produce any fruit? No, the harsh Oklahoma winter killed the plant before any fruit could be seen. (Of course, I didn't protect it from those harsh elements and if I had the outcome might be different.) Did that make it any less of a pineapple plant? No way. When a Christian has been cut up and tossed out - emotionally, spiritually or even physically - by this world, God still provides the soil of His Word and the water of His living Spirit to produce growth. And, for that I praise Him.

There is more that God wants to tell about Oklahoma pineapples... Stay tuned.

Bumpy Monday - Breath and Challenge (06/06/08)

Well, it's almost time to get back into regular work activities. I'm thankful for the job that I have even though I don't always treat it honorably. There are times when I just get tired of getting up and going to the stress each day. This week I'm looking forward to addressing a couple of items that have been hanging on for quite some time. I'm sure there will be other things that interfere with the primary plans but I'll be seeking a singular focus from God in order to do the job He gave me for His glory.

Today's God Moment happened as I began praying for this week's work activities. God reminded me that He has the power over it all. And when I dwell on that thought, I recall that He has the power over my next hearbeat. He and He alone has given me breath. Just as He give power to the stars to light the night sky. How awesome.

In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10)

Our pastor challenged us today to live our life pure as if we know that Jesus is returning for His church at a set time some few hours in the future. God is good and will help when His children ask. There are times when I'm comfortable and don't consider how soon the return might be. Yet, I long for Christ to come. He has promised that we won't have the same struggles in heaven as we have on this earth. I desire that struggle free time. I desire the time when I can praise and honor with abandon knowing that the world and this flesh no longer have influence on me.

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Revelation 19:9)

Thanks for listening.

Bumpy Monday - Speeding Along (04/07/08)

During this weekend's travels I found myself speeding along the highway. I was convicted. Wow, it seems like such a small thing just a couple of miles over the speed limit - 67 in a 65. Yet, God used that to speak to me. It is rebellion. Rebellion against the governing laws. If I'm comfortable speeding along in defiance of the country's laws, am I also willing to continue on sinning in defiance of God's laws? Am I speeding along in my little sin ignoring God's call to obedience and repentance? That sin could be a continual lie, not providing all my tithe, gossip, undermining the authority of the scripture, drinking alcohol, cursing, or any number of things just barely over the speed limit. I slowed down those two miles per hour and set my cruise control. Now, I'm seeking to slow down the sneaky sin and let God be my cruise control. I love the way God shares with us when we are open to hear His voice.

(Lord God, I pray that you will reveal the speeding sin in my life. Help me to turn to You for my cruise control. I thank you for being the govenor that keeps me from running away crazily. In Jesus name, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Forgotten (7/29/09)

Read chapter 8 of Deuteronomy.

Did you notice how much the United States has become like the people described there? We have plenty. And, we have forgotten the commandments of God. We are in a good land. Yet, we have forgotten that He is a holy God. We eat sumptuously. But, we have forgotten that He is a just God. We have a land that brings forth much produce. Still, we have forgotten He is a jealous God. We are full. None the less, we have forgotten that He is a perfect God. We are wealthy. And, we have forgotten He is a living God. By forgetting all these things about God, we are making our own false god.

It is our turn to pray as Moses did in the next chapter (9:18, 26-27). We must pray that we will not be destroyed. We must pray for remembrance. We must pray for mercy. I wonder what "work" God will do to the USA if we are subjected to Psalm 119:126 because we have made God's law void.

(Father God, I thank You for the bountiful land that You have provided these United States. I bless You for the good land which You have given us. I am thankful that we have eaten and are full. I praise you for the water, the wheat, and the honey. Oh, Father God, it is Your power that has made this possible. It is Your power that has made us wealthy. Please remember us and grant us mercy because we have forgotten You. I remember You, O LORD. I remember to walk in Your ways and to fear You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Considering Ways (7/22/09)

Haggai1:1-2:23

Consider your ways. Again, consider your ways. The Lord God is with you. Be strong the Lord of Hosts is with you. Consider from today and onward. Again, consider from today and onward.

In two short pages, God asks us to consider four times. Twice He tells us what to consider and twice He tells us when to consider. I teach 3rd-6th graders each week. Our public schools have fallen down on the job of teaching vocabulary and I love words. Words are my love language. So, I've come to the realization that many people don't understand what God is trying to say to us through His love letter, the Bible.

What does "consider" mean? What did it mean when the Bible was translated from Hebrew and Greek? Does it mean the same thing now that it meant then? A little research will show you that the word hasn't really changed in meaning over the years. Some words do but this one hasn't. When we consider something we look at it closely and think carefully about it.

So, God asks us to look closely at and think carefully about our ways. What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What is the desired outcome of what we do? This includes everything we do. Our ways are our day to day activities, our habits, our speech, our interactions, our money, our food, our clothing, our movies, our books, our friends, and so on. We are to look closely at and think carefully about each.

Remember that the Lord God of Hosts is right there with you. He sees your activities, habits, speech, interactions, money, food, clothing, movies, books, friends, and so on. As we consider our ways, do they please Him? Do they honor Him? Do they bring glory to His Name? Or, do we shame the fearful Name of God? Do we embarrass Him? Do we cause Him to turn away in disgust? He's right there with us. Consider it.

When are you to start considering your ways? Now. Then, continue on tomorrow and the next day and the next. That's pretty clear. Don't wait.

God repeated Himself. He said each thing twice. That's like saying, "HEY! PAY ATTENTION TO THIS! IT'S IMPORTANT!!"

(Father God, help me to consider my ways beginning now. Thank you for being there with me. Forgive me for the shame and disgrace that I've caused. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Pack Rat Traits (3/9/08)

On occasion, I loose sight of the penguin traits that I'd like to emulate and take on the incredible traits of a pack rat. Okay, often I do. I have many many boxes of children's school papers that I have kept. And, I've been culling the ones that have come home since 6th grade. So, I have all these boxes of papers in the attic that I should go through.

I also have just about every scrap paper on which I've written a reference to a verse. Now, some of them have other statements besides the verse address. But, many do not. Some of them are references from a sermon or lesson. I have no idea what that verse meant to me at the time I wrote it down. AUGH! It was a shiny button or trinket that caught my eye at the time. I carried it off to my nest and put it with the rest of the glittering objects.

I don't know if pack rats go back through their treasure but God calls me to do such a thing. He repeatedly tells me to remember His mighty works, to remember who He is, to remember what He has done for me. Today, I remember that He wrote my name in the book of life. He has removed my sin and remembers it no more. He has transformed my deceitful heart and given me a heart of life. God is awesome.

(Lord, thank you for saving my soul. Thank you for remembering my sin no more. Thank you for the only way to know you. Thank you for the wonderful treasure You give me through Your word. Thank you for the grace and mercy that You personally extended to me. Thank you also for the judgement. Thank you for the rules that keep me safe. Forgive me when I so bluntly ignore them. Help me to accept the necessary chastisement. Thank you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.)