I love my own way

I love to make a plan and follow it when it suits me.

I know God gives us a heart and a mind and gives us inclinations and all that. But that doesn’t mean all my intentions are good, proper, godly, or pure.

There may not even be a problem with the way I want to go — so much in life is pretty open ended. I can choose this or that and it doesn’t matter. But when I have invested my time and energy on a certain path and it is clear it is not the way to go, well, sometimes I don’t want to give it up. I want my own way.

Instead of behaving like a two year old in the midst of a tantrum, I try to hand over to God that thing I am holding onto so tightly. Insisting on my own way may not be in my best interest.

I can trust God with my dreams, hopes, and fears. After all, He is the Creator. He knows my needs and provides for me!

Praising the Creator

¹I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
    with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
    through all generations.
²I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
    that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
³You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
    I have sworn to David my servant,
⁴‘I will establish your line forever
    and make your throne firm through all generations.’”

⁵The heavens praise your wonders, Lord,
    your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
⁶For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?
    Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?
⁷In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
    he is more awesome than all who surround him.
⁸Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?
    You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. [Psalm 89: 1-8, NIV]

It is not difficult for me to look around at creation and know there is a Creator. From the seasons to the incredible variety of flora, fauna, animals, and the vastness of the animal kingdom. And then the solar system and the amazing sunrises and sunsets and, well, you get the picture. The beauty and intricacies we get to see and understand while we are here on Earth are simply amazing.

As we close the books on another year, I am so very thankful for the beauty I saw, for the people in my life, and for the grace extended to me, each and every day, by the God of the Universe. He know my name. He knows your name!

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Thomas Ken (1637-1711)

The depths of my heart

He made the hearts of them all. And He understands whatever they do.
Psalm 33:15 NLT

I have been reckless and destructive. I have lashed out and my words and actions have taken a toll on others.

And yet …

… He loves me.

And just as importantly, He loves YOU!

The amazing list of emotions that come from the depths of my heart: anguish, deep love, anger, compassion, justification, passion … the list goes on and on. And, once again, the knowing that He knows me just blows me away.

I am so thankful for His love and grace and provision.

What are you thankful for today?

Interruptions

When I was a mom of younger children, it seemed my hours were full of not being able to get something done because one of my precious kiddos had a question or needed something. There were a lot of days that were filled with all kinds of changes in plans. We tried to make be available for interesting learning opportunities and be flexible because we could be. I think I got quite used to being interrupted because I do it to myself all the time now. I switch gears sometimes too fast for myself and then I have this trail of uncompleted things behind me. It is always more fun to finish the fun stuff and start new things!

There have been a few times in my life where I definitely feel like the “pause” button has been pressed.

Stop here and stay a while.

Enjoy the view. Take in the moment. Savor the sunset.

An interruption may take our focus off of a task but that doesn’t mean it is a bad thing. Maybe it is a pause for refreshment. Maybe it is for a change in direction. Maybe there is something we needed to notice.

Regardless of our plans for a day or a week or a lifetime, I think it is important to look to our Creator who designed us. He knows each season we are in. And, sometimes His uses “interruptions” to alter the course of our lives.

⁸Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.

⁹In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps. [Proverbs 16:8-9, NIV]

Blessings on your day today, including all those interruptions!

Liz

PrayerPrompt: TEAM

PrayerPoints ~ Sunday, March 6th

Proverbs12_25_w

Today’s PrayerPoint ~ Psalm 19

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3

I have always been amazed at the night sky with all of the stars and their constellations. It seems to be the most amazing out in the country on a clear night with just the sliver of the moon. Although a night sky with harvest moon is stunning. Nebraska has some incredible sunrises and sunsets. I have visited quite a few places and they each offer some unique element of beauty and, yet, they all share the heavens. God’s creation is amazing: the expanse of it, the beauty of it, the coordination of it, the intricacies of it! It is amazing how no words can be spoken but how full of information the heavens are.

Hopefully, in the next couple of days, you will get a glimpse of something amazing in the heavens. Keep your eyes open! The are times I am busy or distracted and I simply do not notice what is there, right before my eyes. But when I do take the time to see, appreciate, and acknowledge the beauty that God has created, it brings comfort to me–to know that He, who can do magnificent works, cares about me. It helps me keep things in perspective.

PrayerPoint ~ The Ears ~ February 27

PrayerPoint ~ The Ears

I don’t know why but I am always amazed at the lyrics I remember, word for word, of songs from the 70’s even if I haven’t heard them for 20 years. It’s a little scary that they are tucked away so deep within me that a song can bring them out and the recollection as well as a renewed understanding of the meaning comes rolling off my tongue.

What I am listening to is extremely important–whether it be music or even those thoughts that run around in my head and masquerade as God’s truth. It is so easy to engage the ear without also being discerning about what I am listening to. In some circumstances I am stuck hearing what I hear, but I don’t have to listen to it. I can tune out that noise and not give it any place in my brain. But there are other days when I just take it all in and wonder why I am feeling overwhelmed and insecure and unappreciated.

Maybe you have some of the very same problems. It isn’t so hard to listen to a lie. After all, Adam and Eve were living in a perfect world and in fellowship with their Creator and they listened to the serpent. You don’t have to believe everything you hear and you don’t have to listen to it either. Discerning God’s truth takes practice as well as a lot of time in His Word. If you are not in a regular Bible study, I recommend meeting with a small group or even just making sure you are in His Word each day. Find encouraging verses to memorize. It will be music to your ears!

Blessings on your week!

Liz

PrayerPoint ~ February 23

PrayerPoint ~ The Eyes

Eyes are so intriguing. They are incredibly designed – by an incredible Designer. With so much available to look at, I invite you to consider what you see, where you look, and what you are looking for.

I know if I am looking for ways to be annoyed, many come within my vision in very short order. If I am looking for ways to be distracted, my eyes will surely pick up on something to distract me. If I have been hurt by something I saw, it is often quickly recalled in my mind.

Here are some of the things I want to see and appreciate and care about:

* God’s creation ~ it is truly stunning

* God’s people ~ particularly the hurting among us. Sometimes it is difficult to look at but so very important to be aware of at least in order to pray

* God’s plan ~ sometimes it seems so clear and other times we only move on faith and clinging desperately to His promises

* God’s provision ~ often in ways I cannot see or detect but always there

* God’s love ~ available in many, many forms

Gracious Father,

You have given me the gift of my eyes. Even though they may be aging and needing assistance via prescription lenses, I thank you for my eyes. Please help me to see others the way You do. There are many things available for me to see, but not all those options are beneficial. In fact, many are dangerous and damaging. Please, Lord, let help me to guard my eyes from things that I shouldn’t be looking at or looking for. In Jesus’ Name…

Blessings on your day! May you see with His loving eyes!

Liz