Trash and treasure

If you have ever visited garage sales, estate sales, or thrift stores you know that there are things for sale that vary in value.

Sometimes that kind of stuff is even left at the curb!

The owner was done with it and that’s that. Sometimes there is much more to the story, but we just don’t know it.

And, it happens for people, too. For any number of reasons, there are people out and about and they aren’t valued or taken care of.

Sometimes, they have no concept of their worth!

But, God surely knows. And since we know God, we should know it, too.

Be sure to treat people as the gifts they are, even if they don’t have an understanding of their value.

Maybe even especially if they don’t.

When we were still sinners, Christ died for us! Romans 5:8

And he died for them, too!

Fellowship

Last night we sat around a fire and chatted with some people we love. It was perfect weather and just fun to be in the fresh Spring air and chat about whatever. Or just listen to others chat about whatever.

And two of our grand babies were there so there were lots of extra snuggles involved.

If you have been running and tackling all those things on your list, do not forget to enjoy some fun and fellowship with the people in your life.

God designed us to need connection — both to Him and to one another. Of course, some of us have a higher need to connect than others. So be sure to find a way to balance that if you have some opposites in your home. The fun and encouragement that can come from being together can be life giving!

Reach out to a friend and suggest a time to visit over coffee or take a walk in the park. Share what God is doing in your life — and listen for what is happening in theirs. Or deliver a batch of muffins to a new neighbor and welcome them to the neighborhood. L

ook for the little sprinkles of fellowship that can be added to your day. Be sure to ask God to bless them and the conversation. And thank Him for placing these people in your life!

Colors

My cataract surgery was successful! I

only needed to have the right eye done at this point. But, that sure makes for an interesting situation. If I was a painter or someone who depended on seeing colors accurately, I would be in big trouble.

What I see isn’t “true”. The colors I see with my left eye are not the same with my right eye. It’s fascinating and unnerving all at the same time.

But the world is brighter. I have clearer vision. The changes are pretty dramatic.

But what is right? What is true? Is it the lens?

You would think you could trust what you see with your eyes. Apparently, I cannot. Each eye sees different colors.

All this to say — I need to be walking more by faith anyway. I mean, really, whatever I see is only from my perspective. God doesn’t promise me His big picture vision, even though I do ask for it. That’s not what He is looking for.

He is looking for faith and trust.

My eyes are open and I am looking at what I can see around me. But I am listening for His voice and walking forward in faith!

Refreshment

Are you looking for a tangible way to feel refreshed, renewed, and reborn?

Take a shower!

But, not just any shower. Take a shower and remember your baptism.

God wants us to come just as we are!

— no need to clean up

God wants us to let Him wash away our sins!

— no need to clean up first

God wants us to trust that His work is enough

— there is nothing we add to His work

Think it over. How can a simple shower remind you of God’s work?

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me!

Following instructions

I will admit that I don’t follow instructions all that well. I don’t like to read directions. And of you tell me something, you might as well also write it down because I likely won’t remember the fine details. But, since I know this about myself, I extend the same courtesy to others that I would like.

You can tell me but also write it down. And then check in if you want to make sure I am on it. I am not offended if you do!

Given this is how I operate, it is no surprise to me that my Creator gets me! God covers all of the learning styles in His Word. He knows we often need to hear and see things — and we need reminders.

What is a Bible verse you have committed to memory because you need the reminder for yourself? I would love to see it!

When we hide God’s Word in our heart, we are following His instructions. That doesn’t mean we will do everything perfectly, but we have a better chance of making better choices when we have God’s Word influencing our day!

Your rearview mirror

I don’t always recommend looking back — mainly because it can throw us off while moving forward. You need your eyes to take you where you are going next.

But, that is the beauty of using a rearview mirror. It’s a glance. And, that is all it should be.

Unless, of course, you are remembering God’s faithfulness over the course of your life. That is a place to spend some time, especially if you are looking forward to something that is unknown like a job change or relationship change. Maybe there is an unexpected death or medical diagnosis.

God is with you!

It is worth it to look back and document how God has provided for you in the past —

Have you gathered some stones for a remembrance spot? Have you marked the places of God’s faithfulness by journaling? How do you remember?

We have many accounts in Scripture highlighting God’s faithfulness. Have you written any accounts of your own? Do your friends or family members know of your faith journey?

Think about three important times where God’s faithfulness was apparent. Consider writing or otherwise recording those times. Find someone to share it with. And consider making or buying something tangible that can help you remember His faithfulness. A faith marker can serve as a quick reminder. Yes, we should be looking forward and ready to embrace the day. And when we glance in our rearview mirror, seeing all the faith markers along the path of our life helps us remember He was, He is, and He is to come.

God is with us!

Spiritual mentors

Throughout my life I have had multiple people who bestowed spiritual wisdom on me.

Of course, a lot of that has come through God’s Word. I have been reading the Bible and gleaning spiritual truths from there for decades. But then there are writers and speakers of more modern times — some who passed away long before I knew they existed.

Then there are those who are still living who don’t know me.

And, finally, there are others who are in my life — they know me.

I have considered sending a note to some of the living — to thank them for their words and their impact on my faith.

So, think about the spiritual elders in your life — your neighbors, special friends, church members, or family members — and let them know their impact on your spiritual growth.

And if it isn’t easy or possible to express your thanks to the people, thank God for their presence in your life and ask God to bless them.

Put your own mask on first

If you have flown anywhere you might remember the instruction to put your own oxygen mask on first before helping someone traveling with you who cannot do it themselves.

And that is how it is with giving to others. We need to be sure we have something to give from.

A depleted soul is in need of receiving — of being filled up. And it is easy to be depleted these days. There are so many worldly things clamoring for our attention. There are also worthy things we need to focus on. And all of it can be draining.

God is in the business of filling us up with His mercy, grace, love, peace, and more. But a constantly moving vessel cannot easily receive. It takes time to absorb and soak in God’s Word. When we pause with God’s words — through a sermon, personal study, prayer, or music — and allow it to captivate and engross us, we will find that is time well spent. We know God will meet our needs and give us enough.

May we go to the Source for our needs and be still enough so God can fill us up for the demands of the day!

Clear vision

This week I will have surgery to address the cataract in my right eye. While I have cataracts in both eyes, only the right one is a problem at this time.

Have you ever noticed your vision or perspective change slowly over time? I rarely do. But, when things get to a point when it really feels different then I seem to realize that something has been happening, over time.

It’s kind of like the frog in the kettle. You don’t really notice where you are — maybe you are lulled into complacency — until it is (almost) too late.

Of course, I don’t feel like I am too late dealing with this cataract. And, by the end of the year my left eye might need to be done, too. That would be convenient, “deductibly” speaking.

But, if we are speaking about the way of the world and the destructive rabbit trails and worldly views that can subtly and quickly surround us, now that can really cause some issues.

How do we stand guard and protect or ensure God’s perspective is coming through?

By walking close to God.

Surrounding ourselves with Scripture is a big help. Regular communication with God — even if it is lamenting 😊– just keeping that door open is also important. Attending church services or Bible studies — and having Faith- filled friends and family are all ways to ensure — or at least help — your spiritual eyes to be aware and in synch with God.

And, sometimes, you might need to go “under the knife” to address the issue.

God is there, too!

The little seeds…

It’s time to be thinking about our outside garden.

What will we plant this year?

Is the soil depleted from last year?

What needs to happen to prep the garden area?

Are there seeds we should start indoors?

I have a little mustard seed necklace. I don’t exactly know who gave it to me but I received it when I was about 5 years old.

That little seed reminds me that something small can grow and flourish in unimaginable ways.

Don’t doubt that tiny seed.

Plant it.

Nurture it.

Tend to it.

Pray for it.

You will be amazed at what God is doing through that little seed and how that one can grow and spread its own seeds.

It’s a beautiful thing to watch unfold!