I’ve been reading a lot of loop emails from ACFW, and it came to me just how much I have to learn. At first I felt overwhelmed with all the technical and composition information I don't know, but after reading to the end of the page, where I had pasted three days of the digest, I realized every writer has to learn these things. That was encouraging.
I was so moved that I decided to send a letter to the loop, something I rarely do. In return I received encouragement and support from a host of members, who’ve been there. What a humbling experience it is to receive such a gift from my Father. I know it was He who inspired me to send that letter and I know He is leading those who respond.
How wonderful to know He loves me so much, to feel His presence inhabit the words of others, to know that the plan He has for me will be fulfilled. I don’t need to know the date or how it will happen or even who will be affected by my work. Just to know I am being used is an amazing gift.
How is God showing His love to you today?
Friday, August 15, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Storm
Wow, we had a close call. It seams these storms from the gulf get closer every year. I am so thankful this was a small one. I wonder, what is it about storms that put us on edge?
Is it the realization that we have a lot to do to prepare? Or the possibly of leaving our homes to come back much later to a pile of rubble? Maybe the biggest thing storms do is bring to light the fact that we aren’t in control.
We walk through this life; working, caring for our families, visiting friends and family, helping others, going to church, taking vacations, making plans for the future when if we allow ourselves to admit it we have no control over any of these things. God allows us to live and do these things. He even blesses us with some of our dreams; travel, time with family, work, ministry, good friends, grandchildren, dream homes, etc.
What would happen if it was all gone in one day? If we were left on this earth with no family or possessions? Would we think God failed us? I know that if it happened to me I would be devastated. I would find it hard to go on, but I also know that if God allows hardship he will provide the very thing that will help me get on with His plan for my life.
Bad things do happen, but that doesn’t make God any less; God, creator, provider, Father. I can see that I would have to hold onto God with both hands if my world was so shaken. We have no guarantee that it will not happen to us one day, but we do have the promise that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. And we must trust Him to bring us through.
In the meantime; I am determined to ask Him to remove all of those things that hinder His will in my life. I’m tired of all the clutter in my life, you know, all those things I participate in that He hasn't ordained as well as the "stuff" I've accumulated that I don't need. I want what He wants. Let’s see what He moves or removes.
Is it the realization that we have a lot to do to prepare? Or the possibly of leaving our homes to come back much later to a pile of rubble? Maybe the biggest thing storms do is bring to light the fact that we aren’t in control.
We walk through this life; working, caring for our families, visiting friends and family, helping others, going to church, taking vacations, making plans for the future when if we allow ourselves to admit it we have no control over any of these things. God allows us to live and do these things. He even blesses us with some of our dreams; travel, time with family, work, ministry, good friends, grandchildren, dream homes, etc.
What would happen if it was all gone in one day? If we were left on this earth with no family or possessions? Would we think God failed us? I know that if it happened to me I would be devastated. I would find it hard to go on, but I also know that if God allows hardship he will provide the very thing that will help me get on with His plan for my life.
Bad things do happen, but that doesn’t make God any less; God, creator, provider, Father. I can see that I would have to hold onto God with both hands if my world was so shaken. We have no guarantee that it will not happen to us one day, but we do have the promise that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. And we must trust Him to bring us through.
In the meantime; I am determined to ask Him to remove all of those things that hinder His will in my life. I’m tired of all the clutter in my life, you know, all those things I participate in that He hasn't ordained as well as the "stuff" I've accumulated that I don't need. I want what He wants. Let’s see what He moves or removes.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Truth
Okay, it’s confession time. I’m a writer who has been off track for two years. I thought I was back on track, but have realized that I’ve been lying to myself and everyone else.
No wonder I am so frustrated with life. No wonder I struggle to accomplish anything during my long days home alone. I have lied to myself about the problem and now that I am able to admit it I can see where that has caused more problems with my life.
I lost the joy of keeping our home and cooking for my family. I lost the creative abilities that carried me through thirty two of our thirty four years, making suppers and desserts and special breakfasts. Why? I allowed grief to claim my heart and I retreated from life. I blamed being stuck home alone with no car or “The Change” for many of my problems. Don't mistake me, they did cause problems. Those things may have made life more difficult but they weren't the main problem.
This is where God's word comes in, it says in Matt. 10:26 "...there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." God will always bring to light those things that hinder His will in our lives.
Those three losses in about 18 weeks took a heavy toll. I trusted God to get me through, and He has, I just didn’t expect it to take this long. I am so grateful that our Father knows exactly what we need and when. I thank our Lord for walking with me through this long valley, for helping me to navigate the treacherous paths that were often hidden by a fog, or at least a foggy mind.
What joy to know He cares so much and brought Bible study back into my life. God is growing me and I am ready to rejoin the working, ministering, writing world. It will be exciting to see what is ahead. And I know I won’t be walking the road alone.
There will still be rough places along the way but I know that my Father will be with me. He will even prepare the way before me. Thank You, Lord may all praise and honor and glory be yours. In Christ name, Amen.
God bless you.
No wonder I am so frustrated with life. No wonder I struggle to accomplish anything during my long days home alone. I have lied to myself about the problem and now that I am able to admit it I can see where that has caused more problems with my life.
I lost the joy of keeping our home and cooking for my family. I lost the creative abilities that carried me through thirty two of our thirty four years, making suppers and desserts and special breakfasts. Why? I allowed grief to claim my heart and I retreated from life. I blamed being stuck home alone with no car or “The Change” for many of my problems. Don't mistake me, they did cause problems. Those things may have made life more difficult but they weren't the main problem.
This is where God's word comes in, it says in Matt. 10:26 "...there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." God will always bring to light those things that hinder His will in our lives.
Those three losses in about 18 weeks took a heavy toll. I trusted God to get me through, and He has, I just didn’t expect it to take this long. I am so grateful that our Father knows exactly what we need and when. I thank our Lord for walking with me through this long valley, for helping me to navigate the treacherous paths that were often hidden by a fog, or at least a foggy mind.
What joy to know He cares so much and brought Bible study back into my life. God is growing me and I am ready to rejoin the working, ministering, writing world. It will be exciting to see what is ahead. And I know I won’t be walking the road alone.
There will still be rough places along the way but I know that my Father will be with me. He will even prepare the way before me. Thank You, Lord may all praise and honor and glory be yours. In Christ name, Amen.
God bless you.
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