I was excited to hear thunder last night during one of my trips to the bathroom. I figured the rain would be brief, like it has been lately. I love to snooze when it rains. I also like to sit outside on the porch and watch it rain and see the plants gulp up the much needed water.
I have had a good week. Probably pushed it a little too much since I paid for it yesterday. Today, won't be much different, although Grandma Judy is taking the kids today for a play day, so I will have some time to rest too. Jade and I need to locate a birthday present for Lauren. She will be 7 in a few weeks! I can't believe it. Part of her gift was a pedicure we did yesterday. We got to spend some time with my mom, which was very special. Lauren cracked me up, though. Her nail tech was a middle aged male and really embarrased her. She wouldn't even look him in the eye. Mom and I got a kick out of it. She would look side ways at mom and I and just grin uncomfortably. Poor thing...but her nails looked great.
We've had a busy week full of visitors too. Sorry if I have missed some folks. Since I don't sleep well at night, I don't usually get up until lunch time now, otherwise, I'm really urpy and just not right.
Tanya, I am so glad yesterday's devotional was a good one for you. By the way, you are a very good writer, thank you for sharing.
Please enjoy today's devotion.
Thank you all for your persistant prayers.
Love,
Becca
July 17, 2009
The Stinky Sour Sippy Cup
Gwen Smith
Today's Truth
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life"
(2 Corinthians 2:14-16a, NIV).
Friend To Friend
Last summer, I flew to Nashville to record vocals for a CD project. My girlfriend, Kerri, and I had spent the last day of my trip in a studio, recording background vocals. When we were finished, I had to high tail it to the airport in order to catch my flight home.
Kerri, a young mom, enthusiastically offered to take me to the airport, and I gladly accepted. I'm all about spending time with my friends and catching up on life! As we made our way out to the car, Kerri apologetically mentioned that her daughter had dropped a Sippy cup of milk in her car the day before, and that she hadn't been able to locate it.
"I will be more than happy to take you to the airport, Gwen," she said, "but there's just no telling what my car is going to smell like!"
"No problem!" I said. "I'm a mom! I've dealt with many-a-missing milk Sippy cup in my day. How bad can it be?"
Did I mention that it was one of those "you can fry an egg on the sidewalk," dog days of August? Yep. It was! You know where this is going, don't you?
As we opened the car doors, Kerri and I were smacked silly with the stinky smell of sour milk. Not just a subtle smell, mind you -- but a dominant, "been sitting in the 100 degree weather all day" smell. It wreaked something fierce! We laughed until we almost cried at how horrible it smelled as we made our way down the expressway to the airport.
Sounds kind of funny, but smells matter. Some smells, like a stinky, sour milk Sippy, are offensive. They make you want to escape their presence. While other smells, like fresh baked bread, or a freshly bathed baby, can be greatly pleasurable and inviting. Which type of smell best represents your presence and persona?
We need to remember that our attitudes and conversations give off a smell as well. The apostle Paul said, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life" (2 Corinthians 2:14-16a, emphasis mine).
Does your attitude give off an aroma of Christ? Are those around you drawn to Him as a result of the love and peace you display? Do your conversations consistently honor God, embody the fruit of the Spirit, and expel the fragrance of life ... or are they sometimes laced with bitterness, resentment, anger, complaining, and gossip? It's time to locate and throw away our stinky, sour attitudes, and ask the Lord to renew our minds. Let's run the race before us as women of honor who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, give off an aroma of Christ.
Let's Pray
Holy Father, please forgive me for all of the times I've allowed sinful behavior to creep into my thoughts and conversations. I ask that You will now, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV).
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
On a roll
Another good day yesterday, thank the Lord.
This devotion is something else and well worth your time. I especially like the part where the author makes the comment that there are not group rates getting into heaven. Wouldn't that be nice if there were? We could pick and choose who to take. We could pick and choose our dearest friends and family, purchase "heaven tickets" as a gift? But someone already did this for us...Jesus. When we die, we are physically alone. No earthly being is going to be there with us to guide us or to hold our hands. That is what we're here and able to do right now. When we die we are alone, except for God. He is there.
Love,
Becca
July 16, 2009
Will Somebody Please Pick Me?
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
Psalm 139:14-16 "I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well. You saw my bones being formed as I took shape in my mother's body. When I was put together there, you saw my body as it was formed. All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old" (NCV).
Friend To Friend
I can still remember the terror I felt each time my elementary teacher announced, "Today, we will play softball at recess." My stomach clenched in dread as I contemplated the tortuous hour stretching out before me. I hated playing softball because I was a terrible athlete! Overweight, I huffed and puffed around the bases...if I ever got lucky enough to hit the elusive softball. I had no idea how to wear a softball glove, so the thought of actually trying to catch the ball was terrifying. I was always assigned to the outfield where few balls came and where I had the least chance of doing any damage.
The most horrible part of the whole experience was the dreaded team selection process. It was always the same. Two captains were chosen, usually Sarah and Tim because they were slender, attractive and popular - everything I was not. Sarah and Tim would step to the pitcher's mound and begin the process of choosing their teams. I can still remember trying to look as if I didn't care that everyone around me was defecting to the other side while I waited, praying that I would hear my name called by somebody ... anybody. I was usually one of three or four children left standing, staring at the preferred ones already taking their positions on the field. Sarah usually took pity on me and picked me before Jeff and Alicia. At least I wasn't the last one chosen.
We tend to find our identity and worth in the fact that we are chosen by someone. Take sheep for example. Every shepherd chose his sheep - one by one - with great deliberation, thought and care. A choice implies ownership, pursuit and a deliberate action on the part of the one doing the choosing.
Over the years, I have spent a great deal of my life energy and priceless time in an ongoing attempt to validate my identity. Much of the pain, frustration and stress I experienced could have been avoided by simply remembering whose I am - a chosen child, a daughter of the King, and an indispensable part of God's heart. That's right! I am indispensable to no one but God. No one can take my place in my Father's heart.
The knowledge that I am chosen frees me to serve Him whole-heartedly and boldly without bowing to the unrealistic expectations imposed by others and by my own fragile heart. The knowledge that He created me allows me to embrace the gifts He has given me and encourages me to strain every choice, every decision through the filter of God's perfect plan for my life. Knowing whose I am draws my attention away from both the critics and the cheerleaders in life and fixes my gaze on the only one I have to please ... God.
God is an up-close and personal God. He met Nicodemus at night; He met the woman at the well of Samaria; He met the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda and He touched the blind man, giving him sight. As He walked through Jericho, Jesus saw a little man perched in a tree and called to him, "Zacchaeus, come down. We have a lunch appointment." He met Matthew at the customs' table and told him, "Rise, and follow me." We come to Jesus alone. There are no "group rates" when it comes to knowing God. It's always one-on-one and very personal. What you believe about Him in the silence and stillness of your own heart is what makes the difference in your life journey. The heart is where all spiritual transactions are made and the transformation process begins.
Knowing whose we are settles our souls and directs our steps toward the path God intended when He shaped us. You and I were created as a living, fleshed out depiction of God's love. Just think of it! God Himself supervised our formation. We were created in love -- for love -- with a specific and holy purpose in mind. We can rejoice with the Psalmist who wrote, "Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends" (Psalm 100:3 NCV).
Let's Pray
Father, I praise You simply because You made me. Thank You for loving me unconditionally. Help me to remember that love with every breath and every step. When others reject me, draw my heart back to the fact that Your acceptance and love cancels out that pain.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
This devotion is something else and well worth your time. I especially like the part where the author makes the comment that there are not group rates getting into heaven. Wouldn't that be nice if there were? We could pick and choose who to take. We could pick and choose our dearest friends and family, purchase "heaven tickets" as a gift? But someone already did this for us...Jesus. When we die, we are physically alone. No earthly being is going to be there with us to guide us or to hold our hands. That is what we're here and able to do right now. When we die we are alone, except for God. He is there.
Love,
Becca
July 16, 2009
Will Somebody Please Pick Me?
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
Psalm 139:14-16 "I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well. You saw my bones being formed as I took shape in my mother's body. When I was put together there, you saw my body as it was formed. All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old" (NCV).
Friend To Friend
I can still remember the terror I felt each time my elementary teacher announced, "Today, we will play softball at recess." My stomach clenched in dread as I contemplated the tortuous hour stretching out before me. I hated playing softball because I was a terrible athlete! Overweight, I huffed and puffed around the bases...if I ever got lucky enough to hit the elusive softball. I had no idea how to wear a softball glove, so the thought of actually trying to catch the ball was terrifying. I was always assigned to the outfield where few balls came and where I had the least chance of doing any damage.
The most horrible part of the whole experience was the dreaded team selection process. It was always the same. Two captains were chosen, usually Sarah and Tim because they were slender, attractive and popular - everything I was not. Sarah and Tim would step to the pitcher's mound and begin the process of choosing their teams. I can still remember trying to look as if I didn't care that everyone around me was defecting to the other side while I waited, praying that I would hear my name called by somebody ... anybody. I was usually one of three or four children left standing, staring at the preferred ones already taking their positions on the field. Sarah usually took pity on me and picked me before Jeff and Alicia. At least I wasn't the last one chosen.
We tend to find our identity and worth in the fact that we are chosen by someone. Take sheep for example. Every shepherd chose his sheep - one by one - with great deliberation, thought and care. A choice implies ownership, pursuit and a deliberate action on the part of the one doing the choosing.
Over the years, I have spent a great deal of my life energy and priceless time in an ongoing attempt to validate my identity. Much of the pain, frustration and stress I experienced could have been avoided by simply remembering whose I am - a chosen child, a daughter of the King, and an indispensable part of God's heart. That's right! I am indispensable to no one but God. No one can take my place in my Father's heart.
The knowledge that I am chosen frees me to serve Him whole-heartedly and boldly without bowing to the unrealistic expectations imposed by others and by my own fragile heart. The knowledge that He created me allows me to embrace the gifts He has given me and encourages me to strain every choice, every decision through the filter of God's perfect plan for my life. Knowing whose I am draws my attention away from both the critics and the cheerleaders in life and fixes my gaze on the only one I have to please ... God.
God is an up-close and personal God. He met Nicodemus at night; He met the woman at the well of Samaria; He met the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda and He touched the blind man, giving him sight. As He walked through Jericho, Jesus saw a little man perched in a tree and called to him, "Zacchaeus, come down. We have a lunch appointment." He met Matthew at the customs' table and told him, "Rise, and follow me." We come to Jesus alone. There are no "group rates" when it comes to knowing God. It's always one-on-one and very personal. What you believe about Him in the silence and stillness of your own heart is what makes the difference in your life journey. The heart is where all spiritual transactions are made and the transformation process begins.
Knowing whose we are settles our souls and directs our steps toward the path God intended when He shaped us. You and I were created as a living, fleshed out depiction of God's love. Just think of it! God Himself supervised our formation. We were created in love -- for love -- with a specific and holy purpose in mind. We can rejoice with the Psalmist who wrote, "Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends" (Psalm 100:3 NCV).
Let's Pray
Father, I praise You simply because You made me. Thank You for loving me unconditionally. Help me to remember that love with every breath and every step. When others reject me, draw my heart back to the fact that Your acceptance and love cancels out that pain.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Another good one!
Here is another devotion from Girlfriends in God. Please enjoy it. I just love the book of Isaiah...
(PS, I just got an email from Belinda, she will be traveling here THIS weekend to visit. Not sure when she will be in Whitley, though. Does anyone know what time the boys'cross country team is running the next few weeks? She is training and building her mileage right now and is very fast--would probably love to have some company so she doesn't get lost. If anyone is interested, please shoot me an email.)
July 14, 2009
Beautiful Irritations
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
Isaiah 45:3 (NIV) "I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places..."
Friend To Friend
Life can be so irritating! More often than not, it is the little things that annoy me the most. The lost set of keys. The misplaced cell phone. The ice-maker that refuses to do its job on a hot summer day. The empty tea pitcher stuck back in the refrigerator. But then there are times when people are the problem. They show up uninvited or call when I am running out the door, late for an appointment I don't have time to keep. Been there?
I am convinced that these tiny irritations are a tool in the hand of a loving Father who uses them as "heavenly sandpaper" to rub off some of our rough edges.
I was invited to speak for a women's conference based on the theme, "Pearls of Wisdom." When I arrived at the conference center, I was greeted by women wearing pearl necklaces, pearl bracelets, pearl pins, hats covered in multicolored pearls ... you name it, and they wore it. Each table was beautifully decorated with treasure chests overflowing with strands of pearls. Oyster shells held candy mints that looked like pearls and each name tag was decorated with a single pearl. It was amazing!
I was warmly welcomed and then promptly introduced to the event director and leadership team who were excited and ready to go - except for one problem. I was "pearl-less." I was quickly told that the speaker had to wear pearls of some kind. However, this creative group of ladies was not easily deterred and before I knew it, I was wearing a stunning pearl necklace - and it was real! I could just see that necklace breaking while I was speaking, but before I could utter one word of protest, the owner of the necklace said, "Don't worry! You can just give it back to me at the end of the conference." And off we went!
I am what you might call an "active" speaker in that I cannot stand still and talk at the same time. I get excited, pace the stage, arms waving and usually work up quite a sweat ... literally! The "Pearls of Wisdom" conference was no exception. In fact, it was a blistering summer day and the air conditioning was having trouble keeping up with the size of the crowd. By the time I finished speaking, I was indeed "glowing." I forgot all about the pearl necklace until its owner quietly slipped up beside me and said, "I have to leave and need to retrieve my necklace." As she began to undo the necklace clasp, I apologized for perspiring all over her beautiful pearls. She laughed and said, "Actually, it is good for them. Human perspiration helps the pearls keep their luster."
I am constantly amazed at the profound truths God has tucked into the simple things of life. Pearls are formed when a piece of grit, sand or shell get trapped inside an oyster. It protects itself from irritation by secreting a nacreous liquid around the particle which eventually builds into a pearl. In other words, what begins as an annoying irritant eventually becomes a valuable treasure. The same is true in life.
Looking back, I can honestly say that the greatest treasures in my life have been discovered during the darkest times of my life. A battle with clinical depression stripped away years of fear and doubt, leaving me with a new identity in Christ and a ministry I never thought possible. The inability to have biological children made it possible to adopt our son and daughter, Jered and Danna, giving us a gift beyond measure. Weaknesses have given way to strengths and failures have led to successes ... and God has used it all for His glory and my good.
In God's economy, a mess is the perfect setting for a miracle, my friend. At the center of every dark moment are a sliver of hope and a seed of victory. God has gone before you, and in every trial or difficult circumstance you will face, He has buried a treasure. When the tough times come, look for the pearls.
Let's Pray
Father, I am so sorry for the way I complain about my circumstances. Please forgive me for my bad attitude when things don't go my way. I want to see Your hand in every part of every day - good or bad. Help me to face every storm with confidence, knowing that You really are in control. May others see You in my life.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
(PS, I just got an email from Belinda, she will be traveling here THIS weekend to visit. Not sure when she will be in Whitley, though. Does anyone know what time the boys'cross country team is running the next few weeks? She is training and building her mileage right now and is very fast--would probably love to have some company so she doesn't get lost. If anyone is interested, please shoot me an email.)
July 14, 2009
Beautiful Irritations
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
Isaiah 45:3 (NIV) "I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places..."
Friend To Friend
Life can be so irritating! More often than not, it is the little things that annoy me the most. The lost set of keys. The misplaced cell phone. The ice-maker that refuses to do its job on a hot summer day. The empty tea pitcher stuck back in the refrigerator. But then there are times when people are the problem. They show up uninvited or call when I am running out the door, late for an appointment I don't have time to keep. Been there?
I am convinced that these tiny irritations are a tool in the hand of a loving Father who uses them as "heavenly sandpaper" to rub off some of our rough edges.
I was invited to speak for a women's conference based on the theme, "Pearls of Wisdom." When I arrived at the conference center, I was greeted by women wearing pearl necklaces, pearl bracelets, pearl pins, hats covered in multicolored pearls ... you name it, and they wore it. Each table was beautifully decorated with treasure chests overflowing with strands of pearls. Oyster shells held candy mints that looked like pearls and each name tag was decorated with a single pearl. It was amazing!
I was warmly welcomed and then promptly introduced to the event director and leadership team who were excited and ready to go - except for one problem. I was "pearl-less." I was quickly told that the speaker had to wear pearls of some kind. However, this creative group of ladies was not easily deterred and before I knew it, I was wearing a stunning pearl necklace - and it was real! I could just see that necklace breaking while I was speaking, but before I could utter one word of protest, the owner of the necklace said, "Don't worry! You can just give it back to me at the end of the conference." And off we went!
I am what you might call an "active" speaker in that I cannot stand still and talk at the same time. I get excited, pace the stage, arms waving and usually work up quite a sweat ... literally! The "Pearls of Wisdom" conference was no exception. In fact, it was a blistering summer day and the air conditioning was having trouble keeping up with the size of the crowd. By the time I finished speaking, I was indeed "glowing." I forgot all about the pearl necklace until its owner quietly slipped up beside me and said, "I have to leave and need to retrieve my necklace." As she began to undo the necklace clasp, I apologized for perspiring all over her beautiful pearls. She laughed and said, "Actually, it is good for them. Human perspiration helps the pearls keep their luster."
I am constantly amazed at the profound truths God has tucked into the simple things of life. Pearls are formed when a piece of grit, sand or shell get trapped inside an oyster. It protects itself from irritation by secreting a nacreous liquid around the particle which eventually builds into a pearl. In other words, what begins as an annoying irritant eventually becomes a valuable treasure. The same is true in life.
Looking back, I can honestly say that the greatest treasures in my life have been discovered during the darkest times of my life. A battle with clinical depression stripped away years of fear and doubt, leaving me with a new identity in Christ and a ministry I never thought possible. The inability to have biological children made it possible to adopt our son and daughter, Jered and Danna, giving us a gift beyond measure. Weaknesses have given way to strengths and failures have led to successes ... and God has used it all for His glory and my good.
In God's economy, a mess is the perfect setting for a miracle, my friend. At the center of every dark moment are a sliver of hope and a seed of victory. God has gone before you, and in every trial or difficult circumstance you will face, He has buried a treasure. When the tough times come, look for the pearls.
Let's Pray
Father, I am so sorry for the way I complain about my circumstances. Please forgive me for my bad attitude when things don't go my way. I want to see Your hand in every part of every day - good or bad. Help me to face every storm with confidence, knowing that You really are in control. May others see You in my life.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Quick praise!
I made it over 6 hours without pain meds last night! Now I'm paying for it, but yahoo and Praise the Lord! He is FAITHFUL, AWESOME, PERSISTENT, CONSTANT, LOVING, AND MIRACULOUS!
Amy, you are so right too. There are no idols left in front of me or in my life. It's God and me. It is so clear. To have this clarity is such a gift in and of itself.
My goal is to get on here later and share some devotional time, health allowing, God providing...
Love,
Becca
Amy, you are so right too. There are no idols left in front of me or in my life. It's God and me. It is so clear. To have this clarity is such a gift in and of itself.
My goal is to get on here later and share some devotional time, health allowing, God providing...
Love,
Becca
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday
Good morning. It's been a while again since I have gotten on here. I apologize. I need to make myself do some easy stuff like this but It seems to hard at times. I continue to battle with the whole pain management issue which makes it tough to concentrate, participate, or go anywhere. I haven't stepped outside the house for a couple of days again. I tried going to Wal-Mart with Mom on Friday and get a couple of movies but it was uncomfortable. I have to admit, when my mom dropped me off at the door, all I could think about was beating that lady with the can to the electric wheelchair! I did! Then I realized the other one beside it was out of order...nope, I kept mine. Is that just horrible of me? That lady probably wanted to hurl my skinny butt out of the chair and make an example of me! I just took off (hehe). (I guess there can be competition in anything). Mom then walked in from parking the car with Gracie in her arms. She ran into Rach and Grace in the parking lot. What are the odds?
Belinda is planning a trip back here for a visit in the next few weeks. She is coming a lone, leaving her boyfriend at home. We'll miss Brent. He's a great guy. We'll have to call in the computer and rub it in while she's here in the summer and he's suffering in freezing New Zealand temperatures.
OK, here is the serious stuff I'm dragging my feet on...I signed up for hospice last week. It is time. It really is. Making the actual final decision was tough, but I am glad we made it now. What a blessing Hospice is. They are trying to get me more comfortable. So last night I tried out this new pressure mattress thing--couldn't get comfortable or sleep all night. So we are going try a waffle mattress next.
Well, I need to get a nap.
Love,
Becca
Belinda is planning a trip back here for a visit in the next few weeks. She is coming a lone, leaving her boyfriend at home. We'll miss Brent. He's a great guy. We'll have to call in the computer and rub it in while she's here in the summer and he's suffering in freezing New Zealand temperatures.
OK, here is the serious stuff I'm dragging my feet on...I signed up for hospice last week. It is time. It really is. Making the actual final decision was tough, but I am glad we made it now. What a blessing Hospice is. They are trying to get me more comfortable. So last night I tried out this new pressure mattress thing--couldn't get comfortable or sleep all night. So we are going try a waffle mattress next.
Well, I need to get a nap.
Love,
Becca
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Hi
Sorry it has been so long since I have blogged. No, I haven't felt the best and I appreciate your prayers. I don't get online as often as I used to either. I wish I could say I'm filling my days with lots of running, biking, playing with the kids, but I'm not. I'm doing a lot of sleeping and resting.
I usually have someone here with me now, especially if I am here with the kids. My sister in law is a God send. She comes over while Jade is working. Also wonderful friends take the kids to their houses so I can rest too.
We did have a nice weekend. We hunkered down and watched movies together and actually enjoyed the rainy weather. It has been a challenge trying to manage the pain. The meds make me tired but without them, I am a bear. With them, I am a somby. So we're getting that straightened out. I honestly haven't been out of the house much in the past couple of weeks.
Today, Dad is going to take me out to run some errands. I call it PHysical therapy! I need to do it--get out. It wouldn't be too hard for me to stay in our cave or home and just rest. THat feels good.
The Love Run is coming together really nicely. The community has really pitched in to help out. I hope to see a lot of you there.
Well, I need to get around, dad is on his way.
Love,
Becca
I usually have someone here with me now, especially if I am here with the kids. My sister in law is a God send. She comes over while Jade is working. Also wonderful friends take the kids to their houses so I can rest too.
We did have a nice weekend. We hunkered down and watched movies together and actually enjoyed the rainy weather. It has been a challenge trying to manage the pain. The meds make me tired but without them, I am a bear. With them, I am a somby. So we're getting that straightened out. I honestly haven't been out of the house much in the past couple of weeks.
Today, Dad is going to take me out to run some errands. I call it PHysical therapy! I need to do it--get out. It wouldn't be too hard for me to stay in our cave or home and just rest. THat feels good.
The Love Run is coming together really nicely. The community has really pitched in to help out. I hope to see a lot of you there.
Well, I need to get around, dad is on his way.
Love,
Becca
Friday, June 26, 2009
Sandpaper people-Girlfriends in God
First, thank you for all of your prayers. My doctor's appointment wasn't so bad and I don't have to go back to see him unless I just want to. I can let Dr. Hatcher manage my care from now on, which is a relief. I hate the drive and the waiting just kills me.
Secondly, an update on Duane: He is doing well with chemo so far. Please keep his family in your prayers. His father in law had a heart attack yesterday and is having testing done today, so they have those concerns too. My heart goes out to them.
This devotion is so good. I have had some major struggles with the sandpaper people that have been in and out of my life over the past 20-30 years. Those folks helped me to see that not everyone is kind, loving, or trustworthy, and that Satan is real. I still remember how let down I felt when I finally figured that out.
However, I don't really have very many sandpaper folks in my life right now. Heck, I'm probably the sandpaper person in my family's lives right now. I get so grumpy and grouchy.
Whether your a guy or gal, please read this devotion. It is really good, and timely. Love, Becca
June 26, 2009
The Strength of Weakness
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
"He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak" (Isaiah 40: 29 NCV).
Friend To Friend
Sandpaper people make me tired -- literally. Dealing with difficult people drains emotional energy and dulls mental consistency. Exhaustion hovers over every interaction we have with a sandpaper person while the spiritual questions that arise from that interaction drive us to our knees. It is a good thing. Anything or anyone who keeps us broken before God can be counted as a blessing. He uses those difficult relationships to refine and define the very best in us, calling us to a higher standard in every relationship. Without the right kind of strength and enough of that strength, we are doomed to failure in getting along with the people who rub us the wrong way.
Strength is in great demand. Everywhere we look gyms, fitness centers and health clubs are popping up, all offering "the one and only" fitness program that will enable us to live the good life, all the way to our hundredth birthday and with the looks of Katherine Zeta Jones or Danzelle Washington while doing so. Billboards and infomercials tell us to lift those weights, run that mile, stretch those muscles and drink that shake. Kickboxing videos are flying off the shelves and trainers are being hired to be personal "Directors of Pain and Suffering". It seems as if we are determined to be healthy and strong. Honestly, I must admit that the human body is an amazing creation.
Every 24 hours:
Our heart beats 103,689 times.
Our blood travels 168,000,000 miles.
We breathe 23,040 times.
We eat 3 1/2 pounds of food.
We drink 2.9 quarts of liquid.
We speak 4,800 words.
We move 750 muscles.
We exercise 7,000,000 brain cells.
No wonder we are tired! And when it comes to diet, we are told to eat bean sprouts instead of chocolate. I don't think so. I prefer Garfield's five-step diet:
1. No seconds, get it all the first time.
2. Never start a diet cold turkey, better lasagna or roast beef.
3. Since vegetables are a must -- try carrot cake, zucchini bread or pumpkin pie.
4. Try to cut back, leave the cherries off your hot fudge sundaes.
5. If that doesn't work, hang around people bigger than you.
Diet and exercise are good and right, but physical strength is not what I am after. I long for an inner strength that plays out in every relationship and makes it possible to deal with and even embrace those people who constantly rub us the wrong way. Sandpaper people seem to sense weakness and then use it to their advantage. Our slightest emotional waver in stability is their signal for action.
I want to be strong, but I am interested in the kind of strength far beyond what any weight machine or diet plan can produce. I am seeking the inner strength only God can give; the lasting strength that is necessary to get along with sandpaper people. Relationships with sandpaper people are depleting relationships, consuming "emotional black holes" that are capable of draining every ounce of energy we possess. If we are not careful, the difficult relationships will craft our emotional bankruptcy.
Queen Esther was a strong young woman whose life models the kind of strength we need in dealing with difficult people. Esther was a very unlikely candidate to be Queen of Persia. However, God always seems to use the most unlikely servants to do His greatest work. Esther was an orphan, an ordinary Jewish teenage girl who seemed to be in over her head as the Queen. I can attest to the fact that sandpaper people are notorious for digging the hole, shoving us in while burying us under a mound of futility. However, the crisis in Esther's life, brought on by her sandpaper person, strengthened Esther for the calling of God on her life.
Haman, the King's right-hand man, was a heavy-duty sandpaper person in Esther's life. He hated all Jews and Esther in particular. Out of his hatred came a plan that would persuade King Ahasueras to pass a law demanding that all people bow to the king or die. Knowing the strong faith of the Jewish people, Haman was certain they would refuse to bend a knee to anyone but God. When Esther heard of the plot, she was terrified because she was a Jew, a fact she had neglected to tell her husband, the King. Haman's law would mean her death.
Sensing impending doom, Esther and her people fasted and prayed for God's direction and protection. Then she did what many women do when faced with a crisis. She prepared a huge meal. Esther threw a dinner party -- in honor of her husband and for Haman - a very smart move on her part. It was during this celebration that Esther revealed Haman's villainous plot along with the juicy little tidbit that she was indeed a Jew. King Ahasueras was not angry with Esther but he was furious at Haman's plot and condemned him to die. The Jewish nation was saved through the faith and strength of Esther.
After examining the life of Esther, we see the strength and confidence with which she handled the biggest crisis of her life and the grittiest sandpaper person she had ever encountered. At first glance, she seems to be a woman of great strength when, in reality, she was terrified and weak, her heart laced and flawed with human frailty -- just like us. Her weakness was the perfect setting for a miracle because, as Paul writes, God's best work is transforming weakness into strength. "My power works best in your weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). When it comes to dealing with people who rub us the wrong way, we need to embrace the truth that while our strength is inadequate, God's strength is more than enough.
Let's Pray
Father, I am so weak and so desperate for You. I cannot love the sandpaper people in my life without Your strength and power. Please help me choose to love these people and to view them as divine opportunities, not just interruptions. Give me the patience to respond in the right way when they irritate me. Help me look beyond their sandpaper mask and see the hurt that causes them to act like they do. Right now, I lay down my human responses to abrasive people and choose against them. I trust You, Lord, to love these difficult people through me.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Secondly, an update on Duane: He is doing well with chemo so far. Please keep his family in your prayers. His father in law had a heart attack yesterday and is having testing done today, so they have those concerns too. My heart goes out to them.
This devotion is so good. I have had some major struggles with the sandpaper people that have been in and out of my life over the past 20-30 years. Those folks helped me to see that not everyone is kind, loving, or trustworthy, and that Satan is real. I still remember how let down I felt when I finally figured that out.
However, I don't really have very many sandpaper folks in my life right now. Heck, I'm probably the sandpaper person in my family's lives right now. I get so grumpy and grouchy.
Whether your a guy or gal, please read this devotion. It is really good, and timely. Love, Becca
June 26, 2009
The Strength of Weakness
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
"He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak" (Isaiah 40: 29 NCV).
Friend To Friend
Sandpaper people make me tired -- literally. Dealing with difficult people drains emotional energy and dulls mental consistency. Exhaustion hovers over every interaction we have with a sandpaper person while the spiritual questions that arise from that interaction drive us to our knees. It is a good thing. Anything or anyone who keeps us broken before God can be counted as a blessing. He uses those difficult relationships to refine and define the very best in us, calling us to a higher standard in every relationship. Without the right kind of strength and enough of that strength, we are doomed to failure in getting along with the people who rub us the wrong way.
Strength is in great demand. Everywhere we look gyms, fitness centers and health clubs are popping up, all offering "the one and only" fitness program that will enable us to live the good life, all the way to our hundredth birthday and with the looks of Katherine Zeta Jones or Danzelle Washington while doing so. Billboards and infomercials tell us to lift those weights, run that mile, stretch those muscles and drink that shake. Kickboxing videos are flying off the shelves and trainers are being hired to be personal "Directors of Pain and Suffering". It seems as if we are determined to be healthy and strong. Honestly, I must admit that the human body is an amazing creation.
Every 24 hours:
Our heart beats 103,689 times.
Our blood travels 168,000,000 miles.
We breathe 23,040 times.
We eat 3 1/2 pounds of food.
We drink 2.9 quarts of liquid.
We speak 4,800 words.
We move 750 muscles.
We exercise 7,000,000 brain cells.
No wonder we are tired! And when it comes to diet, we are told to eat bean sprouts instead of chocolate. I don't think so. I prefer Garfield's five-step diet:
1. No seconds, get it all the first time.
2. Never start a diet cold turkey, better lasagna or roast beef.
3. Since vegetables are a must -- try carrot cake, zucchini bread or pumpkin pie.
4. Try to cut back, leave the cherries off your hot fudge sundaes.
5. If that doesn't work, hang around people bigger than you.
Diet and exercise are good and right, but physical strength is not what I am after. I long for an inner strength that plays out in every relationship and makes it possible to deal with and even embrace those people who constantly rub us the wrong way. Sandpaper people seem to sense weakness and then use it to their advantage. Our slightest emotional waver in stability is their signal for action.
I want to be strong, but I am interested in the kind of strength far beyond what any weight machine or diet plan can produce. I am seeking the inner strength only God can give; the lasting strength that is necessary to get along with sandpaper people. Relationships with sandpaper people are depleting relationships, consuming "emotional black holes" that are capable of draining every ounce of energy we possess. If we are not careful, the difficult relationships will craft our emotional bankruptcy.
Queen Esther was a strong young woman whose life models the kind of strength we need in dealing with difficult people. Esther was a very unlikely candidate to be Queen of Persia. However, God always seems to use the most unlikely servants to do His greatest work. Esther was an orphan, an ordinary Jewish teenage girl who seemed to be in over her head as the Queen. I can attest to the fact that sandpaper people are notorious for digging the hole, shoving us in while burying us under a mound of futility. However, the crisis in Esther's life, brought on by her sandpaper person, strengthened Esther for the calling of God on her life.
Haman, the King's right-hand man, was a heavy-duty sandpaper person in Esther's life. He hated all Jews and Esther in particular. Out of his hatred came a plan that would persuade King Ahasueras to pass a law demanding that all people bow to the king or die. Knowing the strong faith of the Jewish people, Haman was certain they would refuse to bend a knee to anyone but God. When Esther heard of the plot, she was terrified because she was a Jew, a fact she had neglected to tell her husband, the King. Haman's law would mean her death.
Sensing impending doom, Esther and her people fasted and prayed for God's direction and protection. Then she did what many women do when faced with a crisis. She prepared a huge meal. Esther threw a dinner party -- in honor of her husband and for Haman - a very smart move on her part. It was during this celebration that Esther revealed Haman's villainous plot along with the juicy little tidbit that she was indeed a Jew. King Ahasueras was not angry with Esther but he was furious at Haman's plot and condemned him to die. The Jewish nation was saved through the faith and strength of Esther.
After examining the life of Esther, we see the strength and confidence with which she handled the biggest crisis of her life and the grittiest sandpaper person she had ever encountered. At first glance, she seems to be a woman of great strength when, in reality, she was terrified and weak, her heart laced and flawed with human frailty -- just like us. Her weakness was the perfect setting for a miracle because, as Paul writes, God's best work is transforming weakness into strength. "My power works best in your weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). When it comes to dealing with people who rub us the wrong way, we need to embrace the truth that while our strength is inadequate, God's strength is more than enough.
Let's Pray
Father, I am so weak and so desperate for You. I cannot love the sandpaper people in my life without Your strength and power. Please help me choose to love these people and to view them as divine opportunities, not just interruptions. Give me the patience to respond in the right way when they irritate me. Help me look beyond their sandpaper mask and see the hurt that causes them to act like they do. Right now, I lay down my human responses to abrasive people and choose against them. I trust You, Lord, to love these difficult people through me.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
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