"Greater love has no one than this,
than to lay down one's life for his friends."
John 15:13
Friday, May 23, 2008
Memorial Weekend Reflection
We honor those who have sacrificed their lives so that we may still be free.
Sudden Storms
It had been a warm, muggy day. My husband was coming in on the train from Los Angeles to join the kids and me in Sante Fe, New Mexico where we had been visiting with relatives for the past week. We had all carpooled to the train station, but we had to sit around and wait since the train was late.
Clouds were gathering in the distance. Since it was July, the monsoon season of the area, we knew a shower could be expected. When the first drops began to fall, the train pulled in. Hugs and kisses later, we all piled into our cars and headed back to my relatives’ home a few miles away.
By the time we pulled onto the main highway, the sky seemed to explode. Rain fell in torrents, thunder boomed, and lightning lit up the darkened sky. Although this wasn’t the first storm the kids and I had experienced since we had arrived, it was the fiercest. What a welcome for my poor husband! Thankfully, the frightening storm lasted only about ten minutes and then rolled on to another area.
Sometimes life gives us storms. We may see the warning signs off in the distance, but pay little attention since the storm hasn’t affected us personally. When the storm hits, we may be surprised at its intensity since we didn't expect the fury. But like any storm, it will blow away, leaving only trickles instead of torrents; rainbows instead of rain.
I thank God that He is in the midst of every storm I experience. Whether a true rainstorm like last summer in New Mexico or a storm in my personal life, I know the Lord is by my side giving me comfort and strength as I call out to Him.
Who do you seek when life’s storms hit you? Try calling out to God. He will give you a peace that no storm can ever shake.
Clouds were gathering in the distance. Since it was July, the monsoon season of the area, we knew a shower could be expected. When the first drops began to fall, the train pulled in. Hugs and kisses later, we all piled into our cars and headed back to my relatives’ home a few miles away.
By the time we pulled onto the main highway, the sky seemed to explode. Rain fell in torrents, thunder boomed, and lightning lit up the darkened sky. Although this wasn’t the first storm the kids and I had experienced since we had arrived, it was the fiercest. What a welcome for my poor husband! Thankfully, the frightening storm lasted only about ten minutes and then rolled on to another area.
Sometimes life gives us storms. We may see the warning signs off in the distance, but pay little attention since the storm hasn’t affected us personally. When the storm hits, we may be surprised at its intensity since we didn't expect the fury. But like any storm, it will blow away, leaving only trickles instead of torrents; rainbows instead of rain.
I thank God that He is in the midst of every storm I experience. Whether a true rainstorm like last summer in New Mexico or a storm in my personal life, I know the Lord is by my side giving me comfort and strength as I call out to Him.
Who do you seek when life’s storms hit you? Try calling out to God. He will give you a peace that no storm can ever shake.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Being a Pioneer
Are you a pioneer? Are you one of those eager to step away from your comfort zone to explore beyond your realm? I am a pioneer to some degree. It must come from my ancestors who left Spain in the late 1600’s or early 1700’s to come the New World that would one day be called America. I think if I had an opportunity when I was younger to do something adventurous as that I might have signed up to go. But as I get older I tend to keep my pioneering limited to explorations via the internet.
I have always loved researching, so I think it’s amazing to have a wonderful research tool at my fingertips that’s accessible 24/7. With my computer I can explore countries I may never get to travel to, study archival books I may never be able to hold in my own hands, and find out tidbits of information about people I may never be able to meet. Family members and friends call me to dig up facts about all sorts of things because I know how to use the system effectively.
Am I a master at internet searches? Far from it; but I’m willing to learn. That’s half the battle when you are confronted with something new. Some people are not willing to learn beyond what they already know. They don’t want to be budged from their comfort zone because they are afraid life will change if they do. Sometimes, though, change is good, especially if it will help you grow.
God instills in us an inquisitive nature when it comes to knowing about Him and His plans for us. There are those who are eager to learn more about God and to find treasures that abound within the pages of His Word. Yet there are others who were raised a certain way with certain ideals and traditions that do not want to find out what else God has in store for them. They feel safe the way they are, not realizing they are missing out on the abundant blessings God has designed especially for them.
Be a pioneer of God’s Word. Explore its pages to learn more about the Omniscient and All-powerful God who orchestrated it. You might be surprised by all the amazing things God wants to show you.
I have always loved researching, so I think it’s amazing to have a wonderful research tool at my fingertips that’s accessible 24/7. With my computer I can explore countries I may never get to travel to, study archival books I may never be able to hold in my own hands, and find out tidbits of information about people I may never be able to meet. Family members and friends call me to dig up facts about all sorts of things because I know how to use the system effectively.
Am I a master at internet searches? Far from it; but I’m willing to learn. That’s half the battle when you are confronted with something new. Some people are not willing to learn beyond what they already know. They don’t want to be budged from their comfort zone because they are afraid life will change if they do. Sometimes, though, change is good, especially if it will help you grow.
God instills in us an inquisitive nature when it comes to knowing about Him and His plans for us. There are those who are eager to learn more about God and to find treasures that abound within the pages of His Word. Yet there are others who were raised a certain way with certain ideals and traditions that do not want to find out what else God has in store for them. They feel safe the way they are, not realizing they are missing out on the abundant blessings God has designed especially for them.
Be a pioneer of God’s Word. Explore its pages to learn more about the Omniscient and All-powerful God who orchestrated it. You might be surprised by all the amazing things God wants to show you.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Where Has the Time Gone?
The days are just zipping by. Even my teenage son has noticed. It was just Saturday, and now it's Wednesday. How time does fly!
But why does it seem like this? There are still only twenty-four hours in a day. We're not any busier than a normal school week. Yet we don't seem to be able to accomplish all that we have to do.
And there lies the problem. We have too many things on our to-do list. The days didn't shorten, our activities increased. We've become consumed by our busy-ness.
I don't think we even know how to relax anymore. We are constantly searching for some type of stimulation that even to sit and listen to the birds sing or watch a sunset seems like a waste of good time. But that is exactly what we need to do. We need to put on the brakes of our crazy lives and take time to relax and to refresh ourselves.
Is life passing by too swiftly? Slow it down and rest. If God placed such importance on it, then shouldn't you, too?
But why does it seem like this? There are still only twenty-four hours in a day. We're not any busier than a normal school week. Yet we don't seem to be able to accomplish all that we have to do.
And there lies the problem. We have too many things on our to-do list. The days didn't shorten, our activities increased. We've become consumed by our busy-ness.
I don't think we even know how to relax anymore. We are constantly searching for some type of stimulation that even to sit and listen to the birds sing or watch a sunset seems like a waste of good time. But that is exactly what we need to do. We need to put on the brakes of our crazy lives and take time to relax and to refresh ourselves.
Is life passing by too swiftly? Slow it down and rest. If God placed such importance on it, then shouldn't you, too?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
In a Crazy World
The world is going nuts. Values are being tossed aside for irresponsible behavior. What was once considered evil is now called good. Do these things make you want to just pull the covers over your head and hide?
Sometimes that would be refreshing to "escape" it all, but we cannot remove ourselves from the world we live in. It is easy to despair under the circumstances. It is easy to lose hope. But that is exactly what the devil wants us to do.
God is the one who is in control even though it doesn't look that way. The Bible is full of verses that tell us not to worry when it looks like evil will triumph. Christians need to remember to look to God, not to their circumstances. Psalm 112:7-8 (NLT) says, "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly."
God is our strong tower and our strength. He has promised to provide, even in famine. Don't despair when you hear all the bad news around you. Trust God, stand up for righteousness, and believe God will protect and provide.
Sometimes that would be refreshing to "escape" it all, but we cannot remove ourselves from the world we live in. It is easy to despair under the circumstances. It is easy to lose hope. But that is exactly what the devil wants us to do.
God is the one who is in control even though it doesn't look that way. The Bible is full of verses that tell us not to worry when it looks like evil will triumph. Christians need to remember to look to God, not to their circumstances. Psalm 112:7-8 (NLT) says, "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly."
God is our strong tower and our strength. He has promised to provide, even in famine. Don't despair when you hear all the bad news around you. Trust God, stand up for righteousness, and believe God will protect and provide.
Monday, May 19, 2008
A Bit of Sun
We've been experiencing a heat wave here in Southern California, so you would think that the last place to visit would be an outdoor amusement center. Because of a birthday celebration, however, we spent the better part of Sunday at one of the local theme parks.
We did our best to prepare for the weather. The ice chest was pulled out, filled with water bottles and ice to keep in the car in case we ran out of the water we both carried in hand and in a backpack. The kids were smeared with sunscreen when we arrived. Long hair was swept back in pony tails, and shorts were the favorite attire. Despite our efforts, however, we all experienced a bit of sunburn.
Although we take many precautions in our lives, there is always a risk of getting more than we've bargained for. We can try to predict and prepare, but ultimately we are at the mercy of things beyond our control. That's where it's vital to trust God.
God doesn't live within the realm of our world. He is not constrained to our time or to this planet; therefore, He knows exactly what's going to happen. Since we are limited in our vision for the future, we can never plan enough. When we trust God, however, we can have the confidence that although we may get a bit of a burn or may get hurt in the process, we have a God who loves us, who stands by us, and who works to bring out our best when we hand over our lives to Him.
Have you done all you could to prepare for your particular circumstance, yet it's still not enough? Trust the Creator of all to help see you through.
We did our best to prepare for the weather. The ice chest was pulled out, filled with water bottles and ice to keep in the car in case we ran out of the water we both carried in hand and in a backpack. The kids were smeared with sunscreen when we arrived. Long hair was swept back in pony tails, and shorts were the favorite attire. Despite our efforts, however, we all experienced a bit of sunburn.
Although we take many precautions in our lives, there is always a risk of getting more than we've bargained for. We can try to predict and prepare, but ultimately we are at the mercy of things beyond our control. That's where it's vital to trust God.
God doesn't live within the realm of our world. He is not constrained to our time or to this planet; therefore, He knows exactly what's going to happen. Since we are limited in our vision for the future, we can never plan enough. When we trust God, however, we can have the confidence that although we may get a bit of a burn or may get hurt in the process, we have a God who loves us, who stands by us, and who works to bring out our best when we hand over our lives to Him.
Have you done all you could to prepare for your particular circumstance, yet it's still not enough? Trust the Creator of all to help see you through.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Weekend Reflection
"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth."
Psalm 115:1
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