Sunday, September 22, 2013

On The Move--



My morning coffee cup reads,
On the move, in step
with the spirit....


Well, I'm on the move.
In step with the spirit...?


That may need some work.

If you have moved lately,
you understand....





My house no longer looks like my house--or anyone else's for that matter.
It looks like a storage unit. A messy, disorganized storage unit.
Where did I get all this stuff?





 


 
 The grandchildren said they liked it where we lived.
And wondered, "Why do they have to move?"


 
 
 
 

It's time to write a new chapter.
Time, to start new adventures.

 
Change?
It's sure to be difficult.
 

 


The road in front of our house will no longer be gravel. A paved street will take its place.

There will be no ditches with a tree scattered here and there--birds aflutter.

Fields of beans and corn will not line our travel into town.

The birds, the horses, Sugar (our grandma dog), a tractor in the field--gone.

However, the clouds will still be in the sky--
if only we take the time to look up.

Just look up.





God never changes.
 He is the same today as He was in the past
 and will be in our future.
Whatever we experience in life
and however our lives change,
God will give us the strength we need
to carry on and even adjust.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.
      Hebrews 13:8


Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.
      James 1:17

In Step With the Spirit?
 
Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
      Isaiah 40:31

Can we do this?
Make this seemingly monstrous move from acreage to town?
Empty a 5-bedroom home, lived in for 27 years--and down-size?




With God's help
and staying "in step with the spirit"
--we'll give it our best.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Ripples

Standing at the edge of the river, he picked up the biggest stone he could carry, stepped closer to the stream, took a deep breath, and heaved it into the water. Dropping a few feet from his feet, it caused a reasonable splash. The water rippled slightly, and within seconds, the river resumed its normal flow. Noticing the multitude of pebbles along the bank, he chose several, and started tossing them into the water.  Ripples created more ripples that lasted for a fairly long time—especially in comparison to the huge stone’s thud. 

           
 
Some refer to this as the “ripple effect.” 
Small or simple actions affect others
which affect others and continue in a sometimes profound way.

 

            A true story:
  A century and one-half ago, a humble minister lived and died in a small village in England. He lived there all his life and never traveled far from home.
   In his congregation was a young cobbler to whom he gave special attention, teaching him the Word of God. The young man was William Carey, later hailed as one of the greatest missionaires of modern time.

   The same minister had a son--a boy whom he taught faithfully and constantly encouraged. The boys' character and talents were profoundly impacted by his father's life. That son grew up to be a man many considered the mightiest public orator of his day: Robert Hall.
  It seemd the village pastor accomplished little in his life as a precher. There were no spectacular revivals, great miracles, or church growth spurts. But his witness and godly life had much to do with his giving India its Carey and England its Robert Hall.
   When you think you are having no impact in the world, remember the little country preacher who influenced two nations for the Lord.
   pg 124, COFFEE BREAK WITH GOD

 The Bible tells us that we are all a part of the same body
and that we need to live in community.
Knowing this,
what one does or does not do does affect someone else.
Consider the human connections;
consider the possibilities;
or, consider the missed opportunities.  
 
 
Most of us are not preachers like the humble minister in the story above.
However, we are each in position to impact other's lives--
be it through our children or grandchildren or a parent.
We also have opportunities where we work and where we socialize.
Wherever we gather, there is an opportunity to touch, to connect--
whether it be a kindess, a friendly smile, an offer to assist, an "I care."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 We will never know the "ripple affect."
But God will....
And why not make the world a happier place.....
 
 
 
... and give all the glory to God.


Thursday, September 5, 2013

Peccadilloes, Termites, and Small Things

Something to think about...?

A peccadillo is a small sin 
or slight offense.



A termite is a smallish,pale, soft-bodied social insect that lives in colonies with wood-eating habits.





Peccadilloes and termites are both small things.
What else do they have in common?




*They both damage unprotected items or persons.
*They have a habit of remaining concealed until discovered--at this point, perhaps causing severe damage.
*Once committed, the peccadillo or termite do not limit themselves. They continue their damage in other ways: the termites by continuing to damage paper, cloth, carpets, etc. The small sins by adding other small sins.
*Termites destroy wood; peccadilloes destroy relationships.

Small things?
I think not.

He that is faithful in that which is least
is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least
is unjust also in much.
Luke 16:10

Most of us are not familiar with Ananias and Sapphira's story from the Bible: 


     In a nutshell, Ananias sold a piece of property, but kept back part of the money for himself (with his wife's knowledge). Peter asked him, "Ananias, how is that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied... What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to a human being but to God."
   When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.
   Several hours later, his wife, Sapphira came in--not knowing what had occurred.
   Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?"
   She lied, too, and responded with a "yes."
    She fell down at Peter's feet and died as her husband did.


Make you nervous?
I'm glad God doesn't strike me dead for lying...
or other peccadilloes.

However, I need to be reminded that:
*Falsehoods are termites in the trunk of any relationship.
*The second lie is always easier to tell than the first.
 
What a tragic web we weave
when first we practice to deceive.
Shakespeare?

 
 
 
*Peccadilloes, 
whether they be lies, 
taking what is not yours,
 inconsideration of others--
 like termites--
cause destruction. 
Termites damage wood, paper, cloth.
Peccadilloes damage intimacy,
 trust, peace, and self-respect.










I've seen bracelets with WWJD on them: What Would Jesus Do?
Perhaps, this is a good reminder.

God is good.
His expectations of us are high...
Because he loves us. 


Pray for guidance in all things.
And, give God the glory.