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Learning By Repetition

This morning I began thinking about how many things in my life I have learned through repetition.

Some of the first were walking and talking. I learned the notes on my piano by practicing my scales, over and over again. I became skilled in shifting a manual transmission but not on my first drive, it was through repetition.

The first time I tried to french braid my daughter’s long hair it was a disaster. I brushed it out and put her hair in a pony tail. My first attempt at cinnamon rolls was so bad that I called them cinnamon crackers.

With repetition comes increased skill. This week I have been increasing my skill in patience. Patience in learning new things, patience with weak internet signals and patience with others.

I really thought I was a pretty patient person but this week I found there were still some really rough edges that needed to be refined. I am so thankful that the Father is always patient with me even when I’m not.

The Lord has shown me that I need to be more understanding and less frustrated with things beyond my control. It’s my responsibility to maintain a good attitude in everything. Everything!

“Since the day we heard these things about you, we have continued praying for you. This is what we pray:

that God will make you completely sure of what he wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need; 10 that this will help you live in a way that brings honor to the Lord and pleases him in every way; that your life will produce good works of every kind and that you will grow in your knowledge of God; 11 that God will strengthen you with his own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come. Then you will be happy 12 and give thanks to the Father. He has made you able to have what he has promised to give all his holy people, who live in the light.” Colossians 1:9-12 ERV

Patient and not give up!

I won’t give up! I won’t give up as I learn patience. I will let the Lord work through me and not become condemned when I am impatient. I will be patient with myself as I learn patience because He is always patient with me.

If you’re still learning patience like I am be thankful that the Lord is always patient, loving and kind!

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In His Hands

As I sit here praying this morning, there are many of my loved ones that I haven’t seen in quite a while. My heart aches some days just wanting to hold their hand, look into the eyes and feel the warmth of their embrace.

It’s hard being away from the ones we love, isn’t it?

Can you imagine how the Lord must feel? He created us out of His love and His desire for a close relationship has never changed.

This weekend I watched as hundreds of people poured in the campground to celebrate with their fathers. I watched the children playing on the roads, riding bikes, going fishing, walking hand in hand with their dads.

Adult children have been arriving and fathers’ having been telling me “this is my daughter, this is my son” as they check in. The joy on their faces can’t be erased.

Our heavenly Father must feel the same! He desires to give good gifts to His children, to us, and the greatest gift He gives is His love.

He gives strength to the weak, healing to the broken hearted, peace to those who fear, rest to the weary, comfort to the lonely, joy to those who mourn, salvation to the lost and love to the abandoned!

“I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? 2 My help will come from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep. 4 Israel’s Protector does not get tired. He never sleeps. 5 The Lord is your Protector. The Lord stands by your side, shading and protecting you. 6 The sun cannot harm you during the day, and the moon cannot harm you at night. 7 The Lord will protect you from every danger. He will protect your soul. 8 The Lord will protect you as you come and go, both now and forever!” Psalm 121 ERV

Thank you Father for loving me and being the Best Father, ever!

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Helping Others

What are your strengths?

Maybe you are a great cook or baker. Perhaps you’re mechanical and can fix everything. Do you have an easy grasp of technology? Are you a critical thinker and have great wisdom in ascertaining the solution to problems?

Now, let me ask this question. Do you ever get frustrated with others who don’t have your strengths? You help them out but then get irritated because they just don’t seem to get it?

I have to admit that was me yesterday…I got frustrated. I don’t think the person I was helping realized it but I was. I had to apologize to them for having a “bull-in-a-china-shop” approach. I was wrong.

Aren’t you glad that the Holy Spirit is a gentle teacher?

We should seek to help others with a patient spirit.

“Even Christ did not live trying to please himself. As the Scriptures say about him, “Those people who insulted you have also insulted me.”[a] 4 Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. Those things were written so that we could have hope. That hope comes from the patience and encouragement that the Scriptures give us. 5 All patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other, as Christ Jesus wants. 6 Then you will all be joined together. And all together you will give glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:3-6 ERV

I have to remind myself that not everyone it like me, thank you Lord!

I have learned much about working with people from the characters of Winnie the Pooh.

Pooh is amicable and is a friend to everyone. He tries to help anyone who has a need. Tigger just wants to have fun and doesn’t play attention to details and sometimes hurts those he loves most. Piglet wants to do what’s right but needs lots of encouragement. Rabbit just wants everyone to get busy, there’s work to be done. Owl has a story to tell about everything and gives lots of advice. Eyore is moody and depressed and has no self-esteem.

I would like to be like Pooh and see the strengths in all my friends and help them in their weaknesses. But mostly I want to be like Jesus and follow His leading.

“So, as a prisoner for the Lord, I beg you to live the way God’s people should live, because he chose you to be his. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love. 3 You are joined together with peace through the Spirit. Do all you can to continue as you are, letting peace hold you together.” Ephesians 4:1-3 ERV

Let the Lord show you how to help others today and do it with a cheerful heart!

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Stand Tall

I’m praying that you stand strong and tall today.

While reading in I Corinthians, I found the Apostle Paul’s instruction to us. He didn’t want us to be like the Israelites in the wilderness who complained about God’s provisions and who worshipped the idols of Egypt.

“Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. 13 You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations. 14 My friends, you must keep away from idols.” I Corinthians 10:12-14 CEV

One of the biggest temptations they faced was discontentment.

We are susceptible to the same temptation. Murmuring because we think things should be better; we’re being mistreated; everyone else has it better than us. They also worshipped idols. We face that same temptation as well. No, not the gold and stone statues that they crafted but the idols of fame, success, pleasure, education, relationships.

Any of these can draw us away for serving the Lord.

However the good news is this. God knows about these temptations and He has given us the power to resist them and escape their grasp. Jesus didn’t come to make us miserable – not at all.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

“Don’t worry and ask yourselves, ‘Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?’ 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. 34 Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself.” Matthew 6:31-34 CEV

Our Father promised to provide all for the Israelites as they journeyed to their promise land. He still promises to be our provider. God is always present to provide as we journey to our promises land. He promises to never leave us or abandon us.

When we spend time on our knees in prayer our Father will reassure us of His promises. With confidence in God’s Word we can stand strong and tall just like the Apostle Paul said.

Take the Father at His word!

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Practical Christianity

I have a question for you today. How did your walk with the Lord impact your yesterday, how will it impact today?

Practical Christianity, a daily relationship with God, the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God’s word is today’s pondering.

Years ago, many years ago I was talking with some community college students about what it means to be a Christian. Most of them had encountered the hell fire and brimstone or turn-or-burn type of teaching. They posed a very interesting question to me, “What type of Christian are you”?

A practical one.

You see they thought Christianity was rule following, condemning and religious. Many people do. What they had not seen was the relationship that God desires to have with His children. His desire is to fulfill our lives, not condemn us. He is a good, good Father!

I then explained to them that I had a relationship with the Father that caused me to consult Him on every issue. I talked to Him about the best way to raise my kids, how to be a better wife and a supervisor to them. I talked to Him about helping me get better gas mileage so I wouldn’t be spending so much on fuel. I talked to Him when things got lost and I needed to know how to direct my search.

Practical Christianity.

After the gathering dispersed one the the students, Albert, told me he had a Geometry test the end of the week. This was his third time taking the course and he just wasn’t “getting” the concepts. He asked if God would help him understand it. I told him He sure would. We prayed right there. Friday afternoon Albert came in to my office with a big grin, he passed the test with a B-. He was thrilled. It was all beginning to make sense to him and he knew it was because we had prayed.

Practical.

The book of Daniel is the story of four young Hebrew men who had been taken captive and were being groomed for the king’s service, the practical things:

“King Nebuchadnezzar wanted only healthy boys who did not have any bruises, scars, or anything wrong with their bodies. He wanted handsome, smart young men who were able to learn things quickly and easily to serve in his palace. He told Ashpenaz to teach these young men the language and writings of the Chaldeans…17 God gave these four young men the wisdom and ability to learn many different kinds of writing and science. Daniel could also understand all kinds of visions and dreams…20 Every time the king asked them about something important, they showed great wisdom and understanding. The king found they were ten times better than all the magicians and wise men in his kingdom.” Daniel 1 ERV

Each day I run across situations where I lean on the Lord’s wisdom and not mine. He promises to direct our paths. Our heavenly Father is wise and He is practical.

Put Him to the test and begin living a life of practical Christianity!

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Special Memories

This morning I sat for quite a while staring at the ring on my hand. It’s a turquoise ring that my father had made for my mother over 40 years ago. About 20 years ago Mom gave it to me; she knew turquoise was my favorite.

This morning I am especially reflective on such a wonderful gift. Mom passed away, at 97, just over three week ago and now Dave and I are camping in the mountains at one of Dad’s favorite places to fish.

Mom wasn’t big on fishing but she was big on being with Dad and she loved coming to this mountain lake. Dave remembers times that he and Dad would make the drive up the mountain for a one day fishing adventure. Our oldest kids, who are now 46 and 44, have pictures of them standing on the shore of this lake with Grampa.

Yes, special memories!

But the ring…

I wasn’t a girl who wanted diamonds or other shiny gem stones, no, turquoise was the stone that caught my eye. Can you imagine how surprised I was when one day I found that turquoise was an important stone to God?

Moses received instructions from the Lord on how to build everything in the Tabernacle. He also received precise instructions on the clothing that the high priest was to wear. There were instructions for the priest’s turban, his linen tunic, the ephod and the breastplate.

“Make the chestpiece of a single piece of cloth folded to form a pouch nine inches square. 17 Mount four rows of gemstones on it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald. 18 The second row will contain a turquoise, a blue lapis lazuli, and a white moonstone. 19 The third row will contain an orange jacinth, an agate, and a purple amethyst. 20 The fourth row will contain a blue-green beryl, an onyx, and a green jasper. All these stones will be set in gold filigree.” Exodus 28:16-20 NLT

It’s my understanding that the twelve gemstones were to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The high priest was responsible for bringing their gifts and sacrifices to the Lord. And turquoise was right there in the second row!

The stone I love so much was important to the Lord too.

Mom and Dad are both in heaven where they are young, strong and praising Jesus. They are walking on streets made of gold and see gates made of pearl. There are no tears or pain, they are in the presence of their Heavenly Father and of Jesus, their Savior.

This turquoise ring is now on my hand, wrinkled as it may be, but it is a reminder of what was – the love between my mom and dad and also of what will be – a glorious family reunion that some day awaits.

What memories bring you joy as we get closer to Father’s Day?

May you always be flooded with the awareness of our Heavenly Father’s love and all that He has provided.

Special Memories!

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Building Up!

Each morning before the day has dawned I hear the birds singing in the trees. It’s dark out – we can’t tell if the sky is cloudy or clear, but the tone of the day is set. It’s a day to be joyful and it’s a day to share joy with others!

Someone needs your song today. Someone needs a word of encouragement. Someone needs to be built up.

Yesterday was an ordinary day. Dave and I spent most of our time sitting under the awning and taking in the beauty of our campground. But before day’s end it was a day to encourage; it was the day for a hug.

The lady in the next campsite had a bad day, a really bad day. I barely know her but I really sensed that the Lord wanted me to talk with her, to listen to her heart and to give her a hug and a prayer.

I used to be really timid about doing things like this but when you know it’s God you have to be obedient.

As we sat at her picnic table I listened to her heart. It was aching. I told her I believed in the power of prayer and I would be praying for her. She said she did too. She was facing losing her job but even more than that she had been slandered. I told her the Lord always has a bigger plan and we can trust Him to work things out for our good.

In a few short hours the situation had changed. God had intervened!

“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” Romans 15:2 NLT

Who can you encourage? Be like those birds I hear singing outside my window. Share your song.

Build someone up!

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Tenderhearted & Forgiving

Some of you have probably figured out that Dave and I are on a summer adventure. We left home recently in our traveling bunkhouse, our 5th wheel trailer. We are in the mountains of Arizona. Yes, Arizona has mountains, beautiful, cool mountains.

These trips away from our home are always times of growth. The Lord stretches me and shows me things in my life that I need to work on. I guess I just see them clearer when I am out of my daily routine. I’m happy to say that some of the things I have seen come to light show me that I have grown more in my faith and my compassion than I had realized. Others, the Lord has shown me I still have a ways to go.

Last night was one of those “I have grown more than I thought” situations. I woke up several times to the sound of a generator. Now for those of you unfamiliar with camping or RV park rules there are always quiet hours when no loud music or generators are allowed to operate.

But instead of getting angry because someone was obviously not following the rules my mind went to kind thoughts. Maybe they’re new to camping and don’t know the rules, maybe they have a new baby and didn’t realize it would be this cold and needed the generator to operate their heater, maybe…just maybe…

Each time I woke I heard the word tenderhearted. Being sympathetic and empathetic are actions of a tender heart. Looking at the cause instead of the action is a tenderhearted perspective. If my heart can be tender toward someone in the campground who I don’t even know shouldn’t I be more tenderhearted when relating to those in my own family and among my close friends and fellow Christians?

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

Christ paid the price for our sins long before we ever repented. His forgiveness and compassion aren’t based on our repentance, they come because of His unconditional love. Waiting for someone to say they are sorry before we forgive is selfish and not the way God forgives at all. We need to conform to His way of forgiving.

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT

Exercise kindness, tenderness, forgiveness this summer. By doing these things, we will be an imitator of our Father and an example of His love to the world.

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Encouraged to Be Strong

Encouragement: the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope. (Oxford Dictionary) I like to define it as “to fill with courage”.

Encouraging people with the promises of God’s word is one of my favorite things to do. I know what it’s like to be discouraged, hoping for someone, anyone, to give you a kind word, a smile, a hug or a prayer.

When we’re tired, we become easily discouraged and discouragement leaves us weak, angry, susceptible, emotional and devastated. None of these are what God has planned for our daily lives. He is the Master of Encouragement.

The Lord told Moses several times to encourage Joshua. Joshua would be his replacement. No one knew better than Moses that the Lord had been faithful to keep all His promises and he needed to impress that on Joshua.

“You must give instructions to Joshua. Encourage him. Make him strong, because Joshua must lead the people across the Jordan River. You can see the land, but Joshua will lead them into that land. He will help them take the land and live in it.’” Deuteronomy 3:28 ERV

Joshua had been at Moses’ right hand for the past 40 years and the mantle of leadership was about to land solely on his shoulders. Those three words “make him strong” are what encouragement does.

The Lord just didn’t leave it up to Moses to encourage Joshua. The Lord spoke to Joshua directly.

“…After Moses died, the Lord spoke to Joshua and said, 2 “My servant Moses is dead. Now you and all these people must go across the Jordan River. You must go into the land I am giving to the Israelites. 3 I promised Moses that I would give you this land, so I will give you all the land wherever you go… 5 Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you. No one will be able to stop you all your life. I will not abandon you. I will never leave you.

6 “Joshua, you must be strong and brave! You must lead these people so that they can take their land. I promised their fathers that I would give them this land. 7 But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:1-9 ERV

Take a minute to go back and read that again. Unpack what the Lord is saying – I will give you the land, no one will be able to stop you, I won’t abandon you, I’ll never leave you!

Be strong, be brave, follow My teachings and you’ll be successful in all you do. Be obedient, you’ll be successful – be strong, be brave, don’t be afraid. Now, that’s encouragement!

If your tired and weary today; devastated or discouraged look to the Lord. Draw en-couragement from Him and you’ll become victorious. He will encourage you – Be strong, be brave!

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Right or Left?

Have you ever been at a crossroads and wonder which path to take? 

It could be a physical spot on a roadway – right, left, or straight head but more than likely that crossroad involves a decision about career path, relationships, monetary commitments and even health choices.

How do we know which choice is right?

It’s important to get good advice but ultimately, at least for me, it comes down to following that inner voice, sense of right/wrong, the peace that I feel in my heart.

Jesus used an analogy with his disciples that they all understood. He talked to them of the way sheep follow a shepherd. They were familiar with seeing bands of sheep out on the hillsides with their shepherd. Jesus said I am the good Shepherd, and my sheep hear my voice and follow me.

“I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep…I am the shepherd who cares for the sheep. I know my sheep just as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me just as I know the Father. I give my life for these sheep…My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:11,14,15,27 ERV

If we are listening, we will hear our Shepherd’s voice and follow the path He takes us on.  Sometimes we start out following the Shepherd and then we get off the path and head out on our own. The attitude of “I can take it from here, thanks for getting me started” can be disastrous. 

When that happens, it is encouraging to know that the Shepherd will come looking for lost sheep. He knows the dangers that can present themselves. He is faithful to rescue us.

“Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but one of them gets lost. What will you do? You will leave the other 99 sheep there in the field and go out and look for the lost sheep. You will continue to search for it until you find it. 5 And when you find it, you will be very happy. You will carry it 6 home, go to your friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’” Luke 15:4-6 ERV

In Jesus’ own words He said he is the “good” shepherd. Some shepherds had been known to leave the sheep in times of peril. Some didn’t properly care for those who had been attacked or injured.

But not the Good Shepherd. He is willing to lay down His life for his sheep. He takes His sheep to green pastures beside still water where they can be fed, watered, and well rested.

When He sees danger coming, He protects the sheep and keeps their enemies for attacking. He leads them through the valley of the shadow of death with no fear. He is their comfort.

Which path to take? Follow the Shepherd, He will never lead us astray.

Have a decision to make? At the crossroads?

Pray about it. Don’t be in a hurry. Listen for the Shepherd’s voice and then follow Him!

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