The other day as I was driving home from work, I noticed a line of Canadian Geese attempting to fly north. I say they were attempting to fly north because they were up high in the sky, but they didn't appear to be going anywhere, they were pretty much flying without moving. It was weird for a couple of reasons. First of all, they weren't going anywhere. Second of all, it has been unseasonably cold lately and they were heading north. Why would they be heading north? Thankfully I was in the middle of nowhere when I noticed the geese, so I could keep an eye on them, more than on the road. They intrigued me. After a few minutes, I turned the corner and looked for the geese once again, only to notice they had changed direction and were heading south. Once they changed directions, their pace picked up and they were off. A few minutes later they were out of view.
The geese remind me of me. When I walk in the wrong direction for my life, I spin my wheels; I don't get anywhere. It isn't until I turn around and go in the direction I know I need to go that I actually accomplish anything. I know God has a plan for my life, a good plan.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God's plan is one I choose to follow, most of the time. He has promises for me when I do.
"You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That's right - you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set." Psalm 119:1-3 (The Message)
So the next time I am tempted to walk outside of God's plan for my life, I just need to remember the Canadian geese who were flying north; getting nowhere, fast! Hopefully I will remember this lesson and make sure I stay on track.
I hope you all have a blessed Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Out of Nowhere
It is cold this week. I miss the warmer weather we had just last week, even though it brought the fog with it. For about 3 or 4 mornings in a row, I had to deal with fog on the way in to work.
One night last week, I was on my way home, late. The sky was beautiful with all the stars sparkling so brilliantly. It was an easy drive, one I could have done without thinking. I have done it many times. Suddenly out of nowhere I hit it, a fog so thick I had to slow right down. I had to focus intently on my driving for about 30 seconds, and then it was gone, as quickly as it appeared. The stars still shone brightly overhead. That fog re-focused me so that I paid attention to my driving the rest of the way home.
How many times do we go through life, doing life without even thinking about what we are doing? We are so accustomed to our everyday routine that we don't even pay attention to our own actions. I remember when I was in high school, having to cross a very busy street in Toronto to get to school. Many days I would cross half way, stand on the centre line and wait for the cars going in the other direction to clear so I could go the rest of the way across the street. One day in particular, I got to school and had absolutely no recollection of crossing the street. I am not going to lie, that scared me.
I see two problems with living our lives on auto-pilot. The first problem is that we can walk all over the people in our path without even realizing it. How easy is it to take people for granted. If we are in a bad mood, we can speak thoughtlessly, or react insensitively to them. Either way, we all lose. The second problem is that we can miss all the little miracles God plants in our path. A beautiful sunset, a deer on the side of the road, a flower, a laughing child or the smile of a friend, can all be overlooked because we are not paying attention to the details of life.
When was the last time you actually paid attention to the path God has placed in front of you? When was the last time you took the time to appreciate the people and the little miracles of life that God has brought to you? My challenge for today is to walk with open eyes, not just the eyes on your face, but the eyes of your heart. Find the little things on your path that will lead you to celebrate life; then celebrate!
Be blessed, my friends, be blessed!
One night last week, I was on my way home, late. The sky was beautiful with all the stars sparkling so brilliantly. It was an easy drive, one I could have done without thinking. I have done it many times. Suddenly out of nowhere I hit it, a fog so thick I had to slow right down. I had to focus intently on my driving for about 30 seconds, and then it was gone, as quickly as it appeared. The stars still shone brightly overhead. That fog re-focused me so that I paid attention to my driving the rest of the way home.
How many times do we go through life, doing life without even thinking about what we are doing? We are so accustomed to our everyday routine that we don't even pay attention to our own actions. I remember when I was in high school, having to cross a very busy street in Toronto to get to school. Many days I would cross half way, stand on the centre line and wait for the cars going in the other direction to clear so I could go the rest of the way across the street. One day in particular, I got to school and had absolutely no recollection of crossing the street. I am not going to lie, that scared me.
I see two problems with living our lives on auto-pilot. The first problem is that we can walk all over the people in our path without even realizing it. How easy is it to take people for granted. If we are in a bad mood, we can speak thoughtlessly, or react insensitively to them. Either way, we all lose. The second problem is that we can miss all the little miracles God plants in our path. A beautiful sunset, a deer on the side of the road, a flower, a laughing child or the smile of a friend, can all be overlooked because we are not paying attention to the details of life.
When was the last time you actually paid attention to the path God has placed in front of you? When was the last time you took the time to appreciate the people and the little miracles of life that God has brought to you? My challenge for today is to walk with open eyes, not just the eyes on your face, but the eyes of your heart. Find the little things on your path that will lead you to celebrate life; then celebrate!
Be blessed, my friends, be blessed!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Let It Rain
Yesterday I was out for a walk, and the wind was blowing. As I looked up, one of the trees nearby was losing quite a few leaves. It seemed like it was raining leaves. As I continued walking, I noticed that most of the trees had either already lost their leaves, or they were holding on for dear life. That one tree was the only tree I saw, that was losing so many leaves at once.
It made me think. In my last blog posting, I talked about timing and how it just wasn't the right time for the trees to lose their leaves. Well, yesterday, for that one tree, it was time, and it was beautiful. The beauty did not come in the losing of the leaves, but in the fulfillment of its destiny.
We all have a destiny. God has plans for each of our lives. As one of His children, He has amazing plans for my life.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I love that He has amazing plans for my life. I love that He fills my life with hope, but I also love that He has things He wants me to do in His name. That is my destiny.
Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
God has birthed in me a new passion and little by little He is preparing me for what He has for me to do. In the mean time, I look up, I look around and I see the miracles He places in my path each and every day. He reminds me that He is there and that He loves me.
Yesterday, that one tree's destiny was fulfilled, and the leaves rained down at just the right time.
God, when the timing is perfect in my life for me to fulfill my destiny, please, let it rain.
It made me think. In my last blog posting, I talked about timing and how it just wasn't the right time for the trees to lose their leaves. Well, yesterday, for that one tree, it was time, and it was beautiful. The beauty did not come in the losing of the leaves, but in the fulfillment of its destiny.
We all have a destiny. God has plans for each of our lives. As one of His children, He has amazing plans for my life.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I love that He has amazing plans for my life. I love that He fills my life with hope, but I also love that He has things He wants me to do in His name. That is my destiny.
Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
God has birthed in me a new passion and little by little He is preparing me for what He has for me to do. In the mean time, I look up, I look around and I see the miracles He places in my path each and every day. He reminds me that He is there and that He loves me.
Yesterday, that one tree's destiny was fulfilled, and the leaves rained down at just the right time.
God, when the timing is perfect in my life for me to fulfill my destiny, please, let it rain.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Leaves in the Wind
It was nice to escape the house this evening. I have been stuck here for a couple of days since the vertigo hit. I have been able to hear the wind blowing like crazy outside, but it was great to feel it against my face. I love walking and it was wonderful to actually be able to go out for a bit.
Something surprised me as I was outside. It is almost November and with all the wind we have had the last two days I expected most of the trees to have lost all their leaves by now, but that is not what I found. I would say that at least two-thirds of all the trees had the majority of their leaves still in tact. I guess it just isn't their time yet.
Timing - why is it that our timing and God's timing never seem to be quite the same. Right now I am waiting for God's timing in my life. He has shown me the path He wants me to take. He has filled my heart with a passion but yet He says wait.
Why is it that we as human beings don't like to wait? I have to laugh each time I hear someone say, "God give me patience, and give it to me now!" Not quite how learning patience works. When we demand that things go our way, when we manipulate the situation to get what we want, we miss out on God's best for our lives.
Just this morning, as I read my Bible, I read the following verses. Proverbs 3:5-6 say, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." These verses are a good reminder that I need to follow His will for my life, but it isn't just about God's will for my life, it is about God's will in God's timing, and He is never too late.
So as I wait for Him to reveal how He wants to work in my life, I hold on to verses that give me hope, verses that challenge me to wait. Some might find me a fool, but to me, not waiting is the foolish thing to do.
Psalm 27:13-14 say, "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."
My friends, as you wait, be blessed.
Something surprised me as I was outside. It is almost November and with all the wind we have had the last two days I expected most of the trees to have lost all their leaves by now, but that is not what I found. I would say that at least two-thirds of all the trees had the majority of their leaves still in tact. I guess it just isn't their time yet.
Timing - why is it that our timing and God's timing never seem to be quite the same. Right now I am waiting for God's timing in my life. He has shown me the path He wants me to take. He has filled my heart with a passion but yet He says wait.
Why is it that we as human beings don't like to wait? I have to laugh each time I hear someone say, "God give me patience, and give it to me now!" Not quite how learning patience works. When we demand that things go our way, when we manipulate the situation to get what we want, we miss out on God's best for our lives.
Just this morning, as I read my Bible, I read the following verses. Proverbs 3:5-6 say, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." These verses are a good reminder that I need to follow His will for my life, but it isn't just about God's will for my life, it is about God's will in God's timing, and He is never too late.
So as I wait for Him to reveal how He wants to work in my life, I hold on to verses that give me hope, verses that challenge me to wait. Some might find me a fool, but to me, not waiting is the foolish thing to do.
Psalm 27:13-14 say, "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."
My friends, as you wait, be blessed.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Rainbow
As I was driving home today, I looked up: in front of me, in the sky, was a wispy cloud . It wasn't very big, but it contained something that was rather surprising. It had a section of rainbow running through it. That was the only place that the rainbow was visible, just within the width of the cloud. This thin cloud was surrounded by blue sky on all sides. I could see it through my sunglasses. When I took them off to see if I could see the rainbow more clearly, it was more faint, but still there.
I absolutely love rainbows. They are a reminder that God is there.
The first rainbow was set in the sky by God after the flood that destroyed the earth. God gave that rainbow as a sign of his covenant. Genesis 9:13 says, "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. " The rainbow was God's solemn agreement with all the people of the earth to never destroy the whole earth by flood again.
Whenever I see a rainbow, I remember, not only that promise, but I remember that God has given His people many promises and He is faithful to keep them. God is trustworthy to keep his promises.
What promises do you cling to right now?
Psalm 145:13 says, "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."
Here are a few promises I love.
I need never be alone - Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
God is watching over me - Psalm 33:18 says, "But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,"
I can have renewed strength - Isaiah 40:30-31 says, "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
God has good plans for my life - Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
There are so many more promises that God makes for his children. I am thankful. I may not see them all fulfilled right now, some I need to wait for, but God is never too late.
Hebrews 10:35-37 says, "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,"He who is coming will come and will not delay."
Life doesn't always make sense. It doesn't always work the way we want it to, but that's because we don't see the big picture. I just need to trust my Heavenly Father to keep His promises. He is never too late. I just need to wait.
Thank you, God, for Your beautiful rainbow!
I absolutely love rainbows. They are a reminder that God is there.
The first rainbow was set in the sky by God after the flood that destroyed the earth. God gave that rainbow as a sign of his covenant. Genesis 9:13 says, "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. " The rainbow was God's solemn agreement with all the people of the earth to never destroy the whole earth by flood again.
Whenever I see a rainbow, I remember, not only that promise, but I remember that God has given His people many promises and He is faithful to keep them. God is trustworthy to keep his promises.
What promises do you cling to right now?
Psalm 145:13 says, "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."
Here are a few promises I love.
I need never be alone - Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
God is watching over me - Psalm 33:18 says, "But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,"
I can have renewed strength - Isaiah 40:30-31 says, "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
God has good plans for my life - Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
There are so many more promises that God makes for his children. I am thankful. I may not see them all fulfilled right now, some I need to wait for, but God is never too late.
Hebrews 10:35-37 says, "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,"He who is coming will come and will not delay."
Life doesn't always make sense. It doesn't always work the way we want it to, but that's because we don't see the big picture. I just need to trust my Heavenly Father to keep His promises. He is never too late. I just need to wait.
Thank you, God, for Your beautiful rainbow!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
A New Season - Rewind
A month and a half ago, as I wrote my first posting to this blog, my daughter was preparing to move across country. It did not turn out to be what she had hoped it to be, so she asked me to fly to where she was living, simply to hop in the car and drive on home. What a joy to see her face through the window at the airport as I arrived. We had a wonderful time in the car. I had missed her like crazy, but it was as if she had never left.
This new season hasn't ended, it just has one of my favourite people in it again.
Isaiah 43:18& 19 say, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
This new season continues. I look forward to all God has in store for me. I look forward to discovering all the new people He chooses to plant in my life and I look forward to dreaming new dreams.
This new season hasn't ended, it just has one of my favourite people in it again.
Isaiah 43:18& 19 say, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
This new season continues. I look forward to all God has in store for me. I look forward to discovering all the new people He chooses to plant in my life and I look forward to dreaming new dreams.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Silence is Golden
The last week, one saying has replayed in my mind time and time again. Silence is golden.
Ecclesiastes 3:1&7 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: .... a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak."
Everything happens for a reason. It isn't just about the right thing happening, but it has to happen at exactly the right time. I believe that with all my heart. Life has become very interesting this past week, but for now, it is my time to be silent.
Next week's blog will be more enlightening, but for now I leave you with one last quote. Proverbs 17:27-28 says, "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."
Be blessed, my friends, be blessed.
Ecclesiastes 3:1&7 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: .... a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak."
Everything happens for a reason. It isn't just about the right thing happening, but it has to happen at exactly the right time. I believe that with all my heart. Life has become very interesting this past week, but for now, it is my time to be silent.
Next week's blog will be more enlightening, but for now I leave you with one last quote. Proverbs 17:27-28 says, "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."
Be blessed, my friends, be blessed.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Full Moon
A couple of days ago we enjoyed another full moon. It was absolutely beautiful. For a couple of days before and a couple of days after, if we are blessed with a clear sky, we can enjoy the beauty that is the full moon, in all its splendor.
They say that people see a man in the moon; that the shadows on the moon create a face. Personally, ever since I was about 14, I can remember looking at the moon and seeing a "perfect" family portrait. It is a dream that I hold on to, for the day when God chooses to bless me with a new "picture". For now, I simply enjoy the beauty of the night sky and dream.
The other morning when I went for a walk at 6:00 a.m., my world was illuminated by that spectacular moon, and the stars that were shining brightly. The sun was nowhere to be seen. Actually that is an incorrect statement. You see, the moon in and of itself, does not give off light of any kind, it is actually simply an object that reflects the light of our sun.
I would like my life to be just like the moon, except, instead of reflecting the sun, I would like to reflect the Son. I want people, when they look at me, to see the love of the Son of God shining out from within me.
In The Message, Proverbs 4:18 says, "The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine."
Ephesians 5:8-9 says, "For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true." (NLT)
When people see me, I want them to see a woman who longs for the light of God to shine brightly from within her. My faith in God is not just a part of who I am, it is who I am. It is my desire to live a life that is good and right and true. This is not something I can do on my own, but only as a result of being an instrument to reflect the Son. I love that idea, I love being able to be a reflector for people to see Christ.
Now, I can't wait for next month, when the full moon rises again. I hope for clear skies, so that I can smile and reflect on the fact that I can be just like the moon.
They say that people see a man in the moon; that the shadows on the moon create a face. Personally, ever since I was about 14, I can remember looking at the moon and seeing a "perfect" family portrait. It is a dream that I hold on to, for the day when God chooses to bless me with a new "picture". For now, I simply enjoy the beauty of the night sky and dream.
The other morning when I went for a walk at 6:00 a.m., my world was illuminated by that spectacular moon, and the stars that were shining brightly. The sun was nowhere to be seen. Actually that is an incorrect statement. You see, the moon in and of itself, does not give off light of any kind, it is actually simply an object that reflects the light of our sun.
I would like my life to be just like the moon, except, instead of reflecting the sun, I would like to reflect the Son. I want people, when they look at me, to see the love of the Son of God shining out from within me.
In The Message, Proverbs 4:18 says, "The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine."
Ephesians 5:8-9 says, "For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true." (NLT)
When people see me, I want them to see a woman who longs for the light of God to shine brightly from within her. My faith in God is not just a part of who I am, it is who I am. It is my desire to live a life that is good and right and true. This is not something I can do on my own, but only as a result of being an instrument to reflect the Son. I love that idea, I love being able to be a reflector for people to see Christ.
Now, I can't wait for next month, when the full moon rises again. I hope for clear skies, so that I can smile and reflect on the fact that I can be just like the moon.
Friday, September 17, 2010
There Is Seeing, Then There Is Really Seeing
About six weeks ago, I went to get my eyes checked. I have had to wear my glasses more and more over the last year and I knew it was time to get new ones. The prescription stayed in my wallet for about 5 weeks before I took it in to order new glasses. I picked them up yesterday afternoon and when I put them on, wow, what a difference! I could see with my old glasses, the prescription change was not that drastic, but the crispness to everything with the new ones is amazing. My new glasses made me think about seeing, about really seeing.
I remember as a kid watching my church build a new building down the street from my house. The construction site was boarded up with little holes, every so often, so people could peak through and see what was going on. Sight was limited to what I could see from my angle, and since I was about 9 years old, that sight was very limited. The people working within the construction zone had a much better view.
Life is like that. So often we think we see things clearly; we think we know how God is going to work in our lives. We can base it on past experience, on other people's experience, but we can be missing out on so much because we can tend to put God in a box and not trust Him with our lives. We see our circumstances from our limited perspective, but God is over the construction zone and He can see the entire picture. He knows who will walk into our lives next week, people who will influence our lives, who will make an impact on us, who will change our direction. He knows which path will be good for us, and which path will not. God knows which path would be best for us to choose and we need to know how to be in tune with His heart so that we will choose it. Second Corinthians 5:7 says "We live by faith, not by sight." That is what we need to learn to do.
It reminds me of when I was a kid. My Dad was legally blind, and there were times when I would close my eyes to pretend I was blind too; to see what it was like in his world. I would walk around, bump into things, but I could open my eyes whenever I wanted to, I could open my eyes to see. It was interesting because there were things I could do better when I had my eyes closed; things I can still do better with my eyes closed. Believe it or not, if it is too dark to see the lock in the door, I close my eyes and use my fingers to find the lock. Closing my eyes, helps me to take the focus off seeing the lock and simply focus on finding it. For me, it works.
When we stop trying to figure it all out on our own, when we choose to trust God's heart, then we will begin to see; we will begin to really see.
God, help me to trust Your heart. Help me to really see.
I remember as a kid watching my church build a new building down the street from my house. The construction site was boarded up with little holes, every so often, so people could peak through and see what was going on. Sight was limited to what I could see from my angle, and since I was about 9 years old, that sight was very limited. The people working within the construction zone had a much better view.
Life is like that. So often we think we see things clearly; we think we know how God is going to work in our lives. We can base it on past experience, on other people's experience, but we can be missing out on so much because we can tend to put God in a box and not trust Him with our lives. We see our circumstances from our limited perspective, but God is over the construction zone and He can see the entire picture. He knows who will walk into our lives next week, people who will influence our lives, who will make an impact on us, who will change our direction. He knows which path will be good for us, and which path will not. God knows which path would be best for us to choose and we need to know how to be in tune with His heart so that we will choose it. Second Corinthians 5:7 says "We live by faith, not by sight." That is what we need to learn to do.
It reminds me of when I was a kid. My Dad was legally blind, and there were times when I would close my eyes to pretend I was blind too; to see what it was like in his world. I would walk around, bump into things, but I could open my eyes whenever I wanted to, I could open my eyes to see. It was interesting because there were things I could do better when I had my eyes closed; things I can still do better with my eyes closed. Believe it or not, if it is too dark to see the lock in the door, I close my eyes and use my fingers to find the lock. Closing my eyes, helps me to take the focus off seeing the lock and simply focus on finding it. For me, it works.
When we stop trying to figure it all out on our own, when we choose to trust God's heart, then we will begin to see; we will begin to really see.
God, help me to trust Your heart. Help me to really see.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Radiantly Red
This week as I have been driving to work, I have noticed a gift from God to my heart. In case you haven't caught on yet, I love the beauty of God's creation.
One of the routes I can take to work, includes a road my daughter affectionately calls the road in the middle of nowhere, because pretty much that is what it is. I have encountered deer, wild turkeys, and even had to stop for a goat this past spring. One of the things I love about this road is all the beautiful trees that line a large section of it.
Where I live, in the fall, the trees don't seem to change colour as brilliantly as they did where I grew up. I miss the crisp fall colours. Although it is a little early for the leaves to be changing, there is one tree on this road, and only one tree that has its leaves changing colour already. Every other tree on this road remains green, but this one is changing into a radiant red. Of all the fall colours, red has always been my favourite.
I did a little research on why leaves change colours. I always thought it was the cold weather that caused the leaves to change, but it seems that the lack of light has more to do with it than the temperature. Darkness, it seems has a greater impact than anything else. What is true in nature also seems to be true in life. The dark times we experience can change us.
The past couple of months, I have experienced times of my own personal darkness. I have had more than my fair share of tears as I prepared to say goodbye to my daughter, and this week actually said goodbye as she left on her new journey in life.
What I choose to do with the darkness impacts the way I experience life. I can allow it to have no effect whatsoever in my life. I can choose to ignore the pain, pretend it doesn't exist, and allow it to eat me alive. Year after year I can choose for it not to change me, but ultimately what will happen is, that pain, that darkness will resurface time and again until I deal with it.
Or, right now, I can allow that pain to do its work in my life. I can deal with what I am facing, permit myself to feel the pain, and allow it to mould me into who God wants me to be.
James1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Romans 5:3-5a says, "...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us..."
The times of darkness that we face in our lives, are the times God wants to use to create something beautiful out of us. When we allow Him to do His work in us; when we trust Him and His ways, we will see a beauty that will shine like no other. Change isn't always comfortable, as a matter of fact, quite often change is difficult, but the end result makes it worth it.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 says, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
As I go through the darkness, it is my heart's desire to be changed by God. I desire for Him to use the darkness I face, to make me more like the woman He wants me to be.
God, please use this time to shape me and to make me shimmer Radiantly Red!
One of the routes I can take to work, includes a road my daughter affectionately calls the road in the middle of nowhere, because pretty much that is what it is. I have encountered deer, wild turkeys, and even had to stop for a goat this past spring. One of the things I love about this road is all the beautiful trees that line a large section of it.
Where I live, in the fall, the trees don't seem to change colour as brilliantly as they did where I grew up. I miss the crisp fall colours. Although it is a little early for the leaves to be changing, there is one tree on this road, and only one tree that has its leaves changing colour already. Every other tree on this road remains green, but this one is changing into a radiant red. Of all the fall colours, red has always been my favourite.
I did a little research on why leaves change colours. I always thought it was the cold weather that caused the leaves to change, but it seems that the lack of light has more to do with it than the temperature. Darkness, it seems has a greater impact than anything else. What is true in nature also seems to be true in life. The dark times we experience can change us.
The past couple of months, I have experienced times of my own personal darkness. I have had more than my fair share of tears as I prepared to say goodbye to my daughter, and this week actually said goodbye as she left on her new journey in life.
What I choose to do with the darkness impacts the way I experience life. I can allow it to have no effect whatsoever in my life. I can choose to ignore the pain, pretend it doesn't exist, and allow it to eat me alive. Year after year I can choose for it not to change me, but ultimately what will happen is, that pain, that darkness will resurface time and again until I deal with it.
Or, right now, I can allow that pain to do its work in my life. I can deal with what I am facing, permit myself to feel the pain, and allow it to mould me into who God wants me to be.
James1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Romans 5:3-5a says, "...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us..."
The times of darkness that we face in our lives, are the times God wants to use to create something beautiful out of us. When we allow Him to do His work in us; when we trust Him and His ways, we will see a beauty that will shine like no other. Change isn't always comfortable, as a matter of fact, quite often change is difficult, but the end result makes it worth it.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 says, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
As I go through the darkness, it is my heart's desire to be changed by God. I desire for Him to use the darkness I face, to make me more like the woman He wants me to be.
God, please use this time to shape me and to make me shimmer Radiantly Red!
Friday, September 3, 2010
... Even If I Don't See It Right Now
The other day it was dark and rainy. One of my co-workers looked at me and said, "The sun isn't shining today." I had to disagree. I asked her if she was in a airplane above the clouds, if she would see the sun. She wouldn't acknowledge that I was right, she simply responded, "I can't see the sunshine." Just because we could not see the sunlight shining in our little corner of the world, did not mean it wasn't shining. The sun was still shining, the light was simply blocked by the clouds.
How often do we allow circumstances to block God's light in our lives. How often do we simply look at the clouds and allow them to defeat us.
Right now I am sad. I know that this new season of my life is going to be interesting, but right now, as I prepare for my daughter's departure, I am sad. My daughter and I have been close over the years and to know she is going so far and that I won't be able to meet her for a movie, or just dinner, that makes me sad. It is okay to be sad, because it won't last forever, just like the rain, it will end and the sun will shine again, but today, I remain sad.
Each weekday morning when I go for my walk at 6:00 a.m. I look up in the sky as I leave the house. It is still dark and there is one bright star that catches my eye. I look for it now; some days I see it, and some days I don't. The clouds sometimes block it's light, but I know it is there and I am comforted by the fact that I know it exists. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus calls himself the bright Morning Star. When I see my star I am reminded of his presence in my life. He wants to shine brightly in me.
I don't want to stay sad. I am not defeated. I desire to focus on the truth that God is still shining in my heart. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
I know He is with me, I know He goes before me. I know He continues to shine his light into my heart. Sometimes He even uses people with skin on to bring a smile to my face. In the last couple of weeks, He has shone through the friend who sent many a text at just the right time. He shone through a friend who sent an email with a poem to inspire; a poem which I printed and taped next to my bed to reassure me that there is hope for the darkness. Most of all, He continues to shine through the words He has placed in His love story to me, the Bible. All of these, and many more, He has used to encourage my heart.
I will be okay. I know that. I will dance for joy again. I know that. He will once again shine through me to encourage others, I know that.
God has an amazing plan for my life. I know that....even if I don't see it right now.
How often do we allow circumstances to block God's light in our lives. How often do we simply look at the clouds and allow them to defeat us.
Right now I am sad. I know that this new season of my life is going to be interesting, but right now, as I prepare for my daughter's departure, I am sad. My daughter and I have been close over the years and to know she is going so far and that I won't be able to meet her for a movie, or just dinner, that makes me sad. It is okay to be sad, because it won't last forever, just like the rain, it will end and the sun will shine again, but today, I remain sad.
Each weekday morning when I go for my walk at 6:00 a.m. I look up in the sky as I leave the house. It is still dark and there is one bright star that catches my eye. I look for it now; some days I see it, and some days I don't. The clouds sometimes block it's light, but I know it is there and I am comforted by the fact that I know it exists. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus calls himself the bright Morning Star. When I see my star I am reminded of his presence in my life. He wants to shine brightly in me.
I don't want to stay sad. I am not defeated. I desire to focus on the truth that God is still shining in my heart. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
I know He is with me, I know He goes before me. I know He continues to shine his light into my heart. Sometimes He even uses people with skin on to bring a smile to my face. In the last couple of weeks, He has shone through the friend who sent many a text at just the right time. He shone through a friend who sent an email with a poem to inspire; a poem which I printed and taped next to my bed to reassure me that there is hope for the darkness. Most of all, He continues to shine through the words He has placed in His love story to me, the Bible. All of these, and many more, He has used to encourage my heart.
I will be okay. I know that. I will dance for joy again. I know that. He will once again shine through me to encourage others, I know that.
God has an amazing plan for my life. I know that....even if I don't see it right now.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Texting
The last couple of years, texting has become a way of life for me. I love that no matter where I am, I can pull out my phone and send a quick message to someone I know. I can text when I am out for a walk, sitting in the doctor's office,waiting for my turn, or even in the dentist's chair with the hygienist's fingers in my mouth!
Just yesterday, I was texting with a friend in California, making sure she was okay. Recently, a lot of my friends have been texting me to see how I am doing. When I am texting, I can't see my friends, I can't hear them talk to me, but I know they are there and I know they love me.
This made me think of someone else I love to communicate with; someone I can't see, nor can I hear Him audibly talk to me, but I know He is there, listening and waiting.
Over 20 years ago when I was going through a difficult time in my life, I came across a passage that has really stuck with me. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Did you catch that middle part? Pray continually. Some people think that praying can only be done at a certain time of day, or night. Others think that praying has to be flowery, wordy, or simply pious. I think all prayer is, is a conversation with my best friend. I can just be heartfelt, open and honest. I don't have to spend hours at a time, talking non-stop, I can simply shoot little one liners whenever, and wherever, just like sending a quick text to a friend.
So the next time you pick up your phone to text someone, think about sending a quick "prayer text" to God. He is waiting to hear from you and I know He would love it.
God, I simply ask you to speak to the hearts of all who read this. Give them a big hug from me! Love you!!!
Just yesterday, I was texting with a friend in California, making sure she was okay. Recently, a lot of my friends have been texting me to see how I am doing. When I am texting, I can't see my friends, I can't hear them talk to me, but I know they are there and I know they love me.
This made me think of someone else I love to communicate with; someone I can't see, nor can I hear Him audibly talk to me, but I know He is there, listening and waiting.
Over 20 years ago when I was going through a difficult time in my life, I came across a passage that has really stuck with me. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Did you catch that middle part? Pray continually. Some people think that praying can only be done at a certain time of day, or night. Others think that praying has to be flowery, wordy, or simply pious. I think all prayer is, is a conversation with my best friend. I can just be heartfelt, open and honest. I don't have to spend hours at a time, talking non-stop, I can simply shoot little one liners whenever, and wherever, just like sending a quick text to a friend.
So the next time you pick up your phone to text someone, think about sending a quick "prayer text" to God. He is waiting to hear from you and I know He would love it.
God, I simply ask you to speak to the hearts of all who read this. Give them a big hug from me! Love you!!!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
A New Season - A New Beginning
Hi, my name is Cathy and this is my first ever attempt at blogging. I have toyed with the idea in the past but never did anything about it. This summer my life has turned upside down and I find myself in a place where I feel it is time to share what is on my heart with whomever wishes to hear it. I am a woman of deep faith in God, and it is my desire to share what He places on my heart.
For 24 years now I have had the amazing opportunity to be a mom to my daughter. I wouldn't trade any of those years for the world. In a few days she will pack her car and drive a long way to the other side of the country to being her journey. Life as I have known it for a very long time will change drastically. So now I find myself at the doorway to a new beginning; a new season of life has arrived. I am excited at the endless possibilities.
Speaking of seasons, my favourite one is Spring. I love the newness of it all. I love to see the snow leave and everything turn green again. I love the flowers as they bloom and bring colour to my world. Just outside our living room window is a magnolia tree. It is beautiful when it blooms in late May-early June. The flowers are so delicate that a strong wind could take them away from me for another year, so I cherish every day that they stay on the tree. I simply love that tree.
The other day, as I was out for a walk, I saw something totally out of the norm and God used it to speak to my heart. As I was walking I noticed a tree, a magnolia tree that had one flower on it. This tree was about 12 feet tall and about 8 feet wide. It was covered with green leaves and nothing but.... but this one single flower. A single flower placed there by God for me to see.
At least, I would like to think that flower was simply there for me to see it. What it said to my heart was simply this: I never know what to expect from God. I never know how He is going to work in my life. I can predict based on what normally goes on in my life, but every once in a while He likes to shake things up and do things in a way that is totally out of the ordinary, totally out of the norm of how things are done, just to make sure that I know it is He that is doing it.
As I begin this new season, it is a bit on the scary side, but I know I am not alone. I have amazing friends and family who love and support me. AND, above all, I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and will never let me go. What's in store for me? I have NO idea, but I am really looking forward to it.
Isaiah 43:18& 19 say, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
This is my New Season; my New Beginning.
For 24 years now I have had the amazing opportunity to be a mom to my daughter. I wouldn't trade any of those years for the world. In a few days she will pack her car and drive a long way to the other side of the country to being her journey. Life as I have known it for a very long time will change drastically. So now I find myself at the doorway to a new beginning; a new season of life has arrived. I am excited at the endless possibilities.
Speaking of seasons, my favourite one is Spring. I love the newness of it all. I love to see the snow leave and everything turn green again. I love the flowers as they bloom and bring colour to my world. Just outside our living room window is a magnolia tree. It is beautiful when it blooms in late May-early June. The flowers are so delicate that a strong wind could take them away from me for another year, so I cherish every day that they stay on the tree. I simply love that tree.
The other day, as I was out for a walk, I saw something totally out of the norm and God used it to speak to my heart. As I was walking I noticed a tree, a magnolia tree that had one flower on it. This tree was about 12 feet tall and about 8 feet wide. It was covered with green leaves and nothing but.... but this one single flower. A single flower placed there by God for me to see.
At least, I would like to think that flower was simply there for me to see it. What it said to my heart was simply this: I never know what to expect from God. I never know how He is going to work in my life. I can predict based on what normally goes on in my life, but every once in a while He likes to shake things up and do things in a way that is totally out of the ordinary, totally out of the norm of how things are done, just to make sure that I know it is He that is doing it.
As I begin this new season, it is a bit on the scary side, but I know I am not alone. I have amazing friends and family who love and support me. AND, above all, I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and will never let me go. What's in store for me? I have NO idea, but I am really looking forward to it.
Isaiah 43:18& 19 say, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
This is my New Season; my New Beginning.
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