Point to Ponder- God smiles when I trust him.
Verse to Remember- "The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love." (Psalm 147:11)
Question to Consider- Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust him most?
I think the answer to this question is in the question itself. GOD KNOWS BEST, and if that is the case, shouldn't I trust him in ALL aspects of my life? I'm slowly starting to understand that. There are no coincidences...only the holy spirit at work. Is it a coincidence that the same amount of money I took out of my savings account to pay for my car is the same amount of money I recieved extra on my paycheck this week? I think not! I'm beginning to turn it all over to God. My love life, my financials, my job, life in general...everything. And in doing that, He's showing me that it's ok to "let go and let God". He's bigger, smarter, more powerful than me...why worry myself with things/people I can't change? To truly trust Him is very refreshing. It's not easy by any means, but I don't feel as stressed. Of course, that will likely all change once school starts, but honestly, why stress or worry over something once I place it in His hands?
Proverbs 3:5 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding". In other words, don't worry about if you don't understand it. Trust God! Let him lift the heavy stuff! Yes, it's hard to do. No, it's not easy. No one ever said it would be. But to trust Him...what faith! Do you have it?
I think you do...just let go and let GOD!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Day 8- Planned for God's Pleasure...
Point to ponder- I was planned for God's pleasure.
Verse to remember- The Lord takes pleasure in his people. (Psalm 149:4a)
Question to consider- What common task ocould I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?
This question brings Mary and Martha to mind. Mary was at Jesus' feet, while Martha was in the kitchen busily preparing for him. I need to be more like Martha at times. If I cleaned, and kept my little condo upkept as if Jesus lived there, it would NEVER get messy! If I drove as if I were carrying Jesus in the passenger seat, would I speed? Absolutly not! If I knew it were Jesus that I were meeting for lunch or anything else, would I run late? Nope! Why is it that we give the best to Jesus, but not to ourselves? Aren't we a living breathing vessel of Christ?
Verse to remember- The Lord takes pleasure in his people. (Psalm 149:4a)
Question to consider- What common task ocould I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?
This question brings Mary and Martha to mind. Mary was at Jesus' feet, while Martha was in the kitchen busily preparing for him. I need to be more like Martha at times. If I cleaned, and kept my little condo upkept as if Jesus lived there, it would NEVER get messy! If I drove as if I were carrying Jesus in the passenger seat, would I speed? Absolutly not! If I knew it were Jesus that I were meeting for lunch or anything else, would I run late? Nope! Why is it that we give the best to Jesus, but not to ourselves? Aren't we a living breathing vessel of Christ?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Day 7- The Reason for Everything...
Point to Ponder- It's all for him.
Verse to Remember- "For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." (Romans 11:36)
Question to consider- Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?
I think one of my biggest problems is that I am constantly going. From the time I wake up, to the time I lay down, I'm on the go. Whether it's to job #1 or job #2, lunch/dinner/drinks with friends, a movie, a running session with GCRC, I'm on the go. Yes, there are many times that I just veg out on the couch, but for the most part I'm on the go. And in being constantly busy, I don't do what I should to be aware of God's glory. For example, even though I wake up to KSBJ and I listen on my way to work, I don't take the time each morning to pray. I've done it now for almost 7 days (the last few days I didn't get my readings in until the end of the day), and starting my day in prayer seems to get me centered for my day. I'm a little bit calmer, a little less stressed, and a little more focused. I know I'm not ready for a bible study every morning, but a little time in prayer, I think, can go a long way.
And then throughout my day, I can recognize the little successes that life gives us every day as God's glory. I know people think that somethings are just coincidences, but are they really? Could it be that God is orchestrating our days for us to show us that He's here? I think so...and maybe if I just start recognizing those things, I'll feel a little closer to God.
This week, although a tad superficial because it just dealt with my car, tested me. Control is a HUGE issue for me, and I'm working on it, but this week has taught me that it's ok to give up control and let others take care of me. Not everyone has a negative ulterior motive. I'm so used to taking care of myself, that to give that up and let someone else do it seems foriegn to me, but I do promise to work on it!
Verse to Remember- "For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." (Romans 11:36)
Question to consider- Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?
I think one of my biggest problems is that I am constantly going. From the time I wake up, to the time I lay down, I'm on the go. Whether it's to job #1 or job #2, lunch/dinner/drinks with friends, a movie, a running session with GCRC, I'm on the go. Yes, there are many times that I just veg out on the couch, but for the most part I'm on the go. And in being constantly busy, I don't do what I should to be aware of God's glory. For example, even though I wake up to KSBJ and I listen on my way to work, I don't take the time each morning to pray. I've done it now for almost 7 days (the last few days I didn't get my readings in until the end of the day), and starting my day in prayer seems to get me centered for my day. I'm a little bit calmer, a little less stressed, and a little more focused. I know I'm not ready for a bible study every morning, but a little time in prayer, I think, can go a long way.
And then throughout my day, I can recognize the little successes that life gives us every day as God's glory. I know people think that somethings are just coincidences, but are they really? Could it be that God is orchestrating our days for us to show us that He's here? I think so...and maybe if I just start recognizing those things, I'll feel a little closer to God.
This week, although a tad superficial because it just dealt with my car, tested me. Control is a HUGE issue for me, and I'm working on it, but this week has taught me that it's ok to give up control and let others take care of me. Not everyone has a negative ulterior motive. I'm so used to taking care of myself, that to give that up and let someone else do it seems foriegn to me, but I do promise to work on it!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Day 6- Life is a Temporary Assignment...
Point to Ponder- This world is not my home.
Verse to Remember- "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Question to Consider- How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?
I'm one of those people that's fearlessly independent. I fully admit that I like to be in control of things. I don't like to depend on others, and I most certainly don't like to ask others for help. With that said, I also don't like to step out on faith if I'm not 99.9% sure of the outcome. That's not really stepping out on faith is it? I worry about things I shouldn't worry about. I worry about what people think about me. I worry about whether or not I'll have enough money for something. I worry about whether or not I'm wearing the right thing or if people will think I'm stupid. So what if they do? In the scheme of things, is that REALLY important? When I get to the pearly gates, is St. Peter really going to wonder if I had the most up to date Coach/D&B/LV purse, or if all the light fixtures in my house matched? I certainly hope not!
I have got to stop second guessing myself. I've got to stop taking so much control, and START letting people help me. I need to stop worrying about what people think about me, and stop living with so much fear. This has been a HUGE problem for me for as long as I can remember.
Today, a couple of really good friends reminded me that it's ok to ask for help, and it's definetly ok to accept help when it's offered. It doesn't inconvenience people, because if it did, they would hopefully say no, and then you're no worse off than you were before. There is more to this life than what's seen. I just need to work on understanding that, and loving and living my life right now.
Verse to Remember- "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Question to Consider- How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?
I'm one of those people that's fearlessly independent. I fully admit that I like to be in control of things. I don't like to depend on others, and I most certainly don't like to ask others for help. With that said, I also don't like to step out on faith if I'm not 99.9% sure of the outcome. That's not really stepping out on faith is it? I worry about things I shouldn't worry about. I worry about what people think about me. I worry about whether or not I'll have enough money for something. I worry about whether or not I'm wearing the right thing or if people will think I'm stupid. So what if they do? In the scheme of things, is that REALLY important? When I get to the pearly gates, is St. Peter really going to wonder if I had the most up to date Coach/D&B/LV purse, or if all the light fixtures in my house matched? I certainly hope not!
I have got to stop second guessing myself. I've got to stop taking so much control, and START letting people help me. I need to stop worrying about what people think about me, and stop living with so much fear. This has been a HUGE problem for me for as long as I can remember.
Today, a couple of really good friends reminded me that it's ok to ask for help, and it's definetly ok to accept help when it's offered. It doesn't inconvenience people, because if it did, they would hopefully say no, and then you're no worse off than you were before. There is more to this life than what's seen. I just need to work on understanding that, and loving and living my life right now.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Day 5- Seeing Life from God's View...
Point to ponder- Life is a test and a trust.
Verse to remember - "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones." (Luke 16:10a)
Question to consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
3 tests....love, life, and money in the past year.
The test of love...happened almost a year ago...and I'm not sure if I passed or failed that test. On one hand, I'd say I passed. For the first time, I loved unconditionally...or at least attempted it, and gave of myself 110% without reservation, despite the obstacles before me. On the other hand, I'd say I failed miserabley...I'm not with that love anymore...I gave of myself 110% for someone who was ALMOST everything I wanted. I settled for 2nd best. I gave in to the notion of "what if this is it for me" instead of holding out for God's best for me. I let this love affect me for months after it left me, and it obviously still affects me...
The test of life...happens every day. Still not sure if I'm passing or failing this one. Life in general is great right now. I have a roof over my head, a family who loves me, friends who are awesome, a great job, a great part time job, a faith that's slowly coming back, clothes on my back, food in my fridge, and a car that runs but is in the shop at the moment, money in the bank...I think I'm passing the test of life, but there are times that I doubt myself. Part of me wonders if I'm living God's will...I mean, I think I am, but there are always those doubts. I have the gift of listening, and working with kids, and that's what I do each and every day...so yeah, I think I'm passing this one...
The test of money...one of God's hardest tests. In the past, I haven't managed my money well. This goes back to wanting more than what I have. Let's face it: I have champagne taste on a koolaide budget...but I'm slowly but surely trying to live within my means now. Getting myself back on track, finally have a little money saved up, and trying to spend so much. Heck, I haven't taken a vacation in YEARS because I just don't have the cash for it, and I refuse to charge it if I don't have teh cash for it! Of course, there are some things that just have to be charged, like my tires the other day...but for the most part, I think I'm starting to pass this test.
What's the test that I have yet to pass? Yeah, organization...I've got to get myself in check on this. Nuff said. It starts tomorrow...it has too!
The most recent test though has to be my car. It may sound superficial to you, but not having a car is always a test for me, because then I have to depend on others to get around, and if you know me, i HATE to depend or rely on others. I HATE to ask for help...I get that independence from my mother (thank you so much for that!), and I'm not complaining...but, I've got to start accepting help when it's offered, and learning to recognize when I'm way over my head and need help. There's no shame in asking for help, and I've got to start doing that. That's one test that I'm definetly failing...
The greatest matters God has entrusted to me??? My family and my friends I think...and my students. Knowing what they go through each and every day, and trying my hardest to be that positive light in their lives. Trying my hardest to be a smile for everyone, even when I'm not smiling on the inside or out. God has entrusted the hearts of everyone I love to me, and I cherish them, and hold them very near and dear to my heart. I pray that I haven't hurt any of those hearts that are entrusted to me. And if I have, for that I am truly sorry.
Verse to remember - "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones." (Luke 16:10a)
Question to consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
3 tests....love, life, and money in the past year.
The test of love...happened almost a year ago...and I'm not sure if I passed or failed that test. On one hand, I'd say I passed. For the first time, I loved unconditionally...or at least attempted it, and gave of myself 110% without reservation, despite the obstacles before me. On the other hand, I'd say I failed miserabley...I'm not with that love anymore...I gave of myself 110% for someone who was ALMOST everything I wanted. I settled for 2nd best. I gave in to the notion of "what if this is it for me" instead of holding out for God's best for me. I let this love affect me for months after it left me, and it obviously still affects me...
The test of life...happens every day. Still not sure if I'm passing or failing this one. Life in general is great right now. I have a roof over my head, a family who loves me, friends who are awesome, a great job, a great part time job, a faith that's slowly coming back, clothes on my back, food in my fridge, and a car that runs but is in the shop at the moment, money in the bank...I think I'm passing the test of life, but there are times that I doubt myself. Part of me wonders if I'm living God's will...I mean, I think I am, but there are always those doubts. I have the gift of listening, and working with kids, and that's what I do each and every day...so yeah, I think I'm passing this one...
The test of money...one of God's hardest tests. In the past, I haven't managed my money well. This goes back to wanting more than what I have. Let's face it: I have champagne taste on a koolaide budget...but I'm slowly but surely trying to live within my means now. Getting myself back on track, finally have a little money saved up, and trying to spend so much. Heck, I haven't taken a vacation in YEARS because I just don't have the cash for it, and I refuse to charge it if I don't have teh cash for it! Of course, there are some things that just have to be charged, like my tires the other day...but for the most part, I think I'm starting to pass this test.
What's the test that I have yet to pass? Yeah, organization...I've got to get myself in check on this. Nuff said. It starts tomorrow...it has too!
The most recent test though has to be my car. It may sound superficial to you, but not having a car is always a test for me, because then I have to depend on others to get around, and if you know me, i HATE to depend or rely on others. I HATE to ask for help...I get that independence from my mother (thank you so much for that!), and I'm not complaining...but, I've got to start accepting help when it's offered, and learning to recognize when I'm way over my head and need help. There's no shame in asking for help, and I've got to start doing that. That's one test that I'm definetly failing...
The greatest matters God has entrusted to me??? My family and my friends I think...and my students. Knowing what they go through each and every day, and trying my hardest to be that positive light in their lives. Trying my hardest to be a smile for everyone, even when I'm not smiling on the inside or out. God has entrusted the hearts of everyone I love to me, and I cherish them, and hold them very near and dear to my heart. I pray that I haven't hurt any of those hearts that are entrusted to me. And if I have, for that I am truly sorry.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Day 4- Made to Last Forever...
Point to Ponder- There is more to life than just here and now.
Verse to Remember- "This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." (1 John 2:17)
Question to consider: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop dong and the one thing I should start doing today?
This question requires some thought, because honestly, I'm not sure. Immediately the one thing I should stop doing is procrastinating. That's the first thing that comes to mind. BUT, I'm one of those people that works very well under pressure. As hard as I've tried in the past to break myself of procrastination, I always end up redoing whatever it was that I orginally did....I work well under pressure. I can't help it.
I'm not really sure what I should start doing...living more fearlessly? I wrote a blog about that. About how living fearlessly doesn't necessarily mean without fear, but to be bold on one's choices, and to go for things. Although I second guess myself, and I worry about things, most people would never know that. Usually, once I make my mind up about something, I go for it. But up until the point that I make up my mind, I'm constantly thinking about the decision to be made, and whether or not I can do it. Once I start a project (unless it's cleaning), I usually finish it. I'm, my no means, a quitter. Of course, there's one area in my life where I'm not fearless, and that's my love life. It doesn't matter if I'm head over heels in love, or even just interested in a guy. I won't ever say anything unless he asks me. Especially if I'm just interested in him and would like to go out on a date. But with that said, I'm pretty sure that's not the kind of answer Mr. Warren had in mind when he posed this question...
Ok...what's the one thing I should start doing??? I DON'T KNOW!!! I try not to pay attention to the petty stuff, because in the grand scheme of things, it really won't matter! I am a people pleaser, so maybe I should start living to please God instead of others. (most people would find that hard to believe as well...)
ugh...i don't know.
Verse to Remember- "This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." (1 John 2:17)
Question to consider: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop dong and the one thing I should start doing today?
This question requires some thought, because honestly, I'm not sure. Immediately the one thing I should stop doing is procrastinating. That's the first thing that comes to mind. BUT, I'm one of those people that works very well under pressure. As hard as I've tried in the past to break myself of procrastination, I always end up redoing whatever it was that I orginally did....I work well under pressure. I can't help it.
I'm not really sure what I should start doing...living more fearlessly? I wrote a blog about that. About how living fearlessly doesn't necessarily mean without fear, but to be bold on one's choices, and to go for things. Although I second guess myself, and I worry about things, most people would never know that. Usually, once I make my mind up about something, I go for it. But up until the point that I make up my mind, I'm constantly thinking about the decision to be made, and whether or not I can do it. Once I start a project (unless it's cleaning), I usually finish it. I'm, my no means, a quitter. Of course, there's one area in my life where I'm not fearless, and that's my love life. It doesn't matter if I'm head over heels in love, or even just interested in a guy. I won't ever say anything unless he asks me. Especially if I'm just interested in him and would like to go out on a date. But with that said, I'm pretty sure that's not the kind of answer Mr. Warren had in mind when he posed this question...
Ok...what's the one thing I should start doing??? I DON'T KNOW!!! I try not to pay attention to the petty stuff, because in the grand scheme of things, it really won't matter! I am a people pleaser, so maybe I should start living to please God instead of others. (most people would find that hard to believe as well...)
ugh...i don't know.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Day 3- What on Earth Am I Here For?
Point to Ponder- living on purpose is the path to peace.
Verse to Remember- "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." (Isaiah 26:3)
Question to Consider- What would my family and friends say is the driving force with my life? What do I want it to be?
I have to say that this chapter REALLY hit home...I'm driven by so many things...by materialism (I want more than I have), by wanting to please people (I want people to be proud of me and admire me), and by fear (I stay close to home...opportunities have come to take me away, and I've let them pass me by for fear of going out into the world on my own)...
I honestly don't know what my family and friends would say is the driving force with my life...they might say that it's the want and need to succeed. They might say that I'm just crazy and they don't know why I do all the things that I do. I really don't know...so, if you're a family member or a friend of mine, please leave a comment so I know the answer to that part of the question :-)
I can tell you that I'd like the driving force to be just that I'm doing what is in God's will for me. I want to do whatever it is He has planned for me. I want to stop second-guessing myself, and just go with the opportunities that are presented to me, or the doors that are opened for me. I don't want to wonder "what if" or have any regrets. I don't want to keep wishing that he hadn't left, or wonder why he did. I want to let go of ALL the things that hold me back...mostly fear. Yes, I know...most people would seriously doubt that I'm afraid of things, but in all honesty, I am. I play it safe...I rarely take chances, unless I'm pretty sure of the outcome. Sometimes God surprises me, and gives me a completely different outcome than I was expecting and throws me for a loop. That's happened twice this year, and trust me when I say, I was not the least bit happy. BUT, I can say this...in both instances where God threw me for a loop, my prayer was always the same- Lord, do YOUR will, not mine...and in BOTH cases, He did just that. I just didn't like His answer...
Verse to Remember- "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." (Isaiah 26:3)
Question to Consider- What would my family and friends say is the driving force with my life? What do I want it to be?
I have to say that this chapter REALLY hit home...I'm driven by so many things...by materialism (I want more than I have), by wanting to please people (I want people to be proud of me and admire me), and by fear (I stay close to home...opportunities have come to take me away, and I've let them pass me by for fear of going out into the world on my own)...
I honestly don't know what my family and friends would say is the driving force with my life...they might say that it's the want and need to succeed. They might say that I'm just crazy and they don't know why I do all the things that I do. I really don't know...so, if you're a family member or a friend of mine, please leave a comment so I know the answer to that part of the question :-)
I can tell you that I'd like the driving force to be just that I'm doing what is in God's will for me. I want to do whatever it is He has planned for me. I want to stop second-guessing myself, and just go with the opportunities that are presented to me, or the doors that are opened for me. I don't want to wonder "what if" or have any regrets. I don't want to keep wishing that he hadn't left, or wonder why he did. I want to let go of ALL the things that hold me back...mostly fear. Yes, I know...most people would seriously doubt that I'm afraid of things, but in all honesty, I am. I play it safe...I rarely take chances, unless I'm pretty sure of the outcome. Sometimes God surprises me, and gives me a completely different outcome than I was expecting and throws me for a loop. That's happened twice this year, and trust me when I say, I was not the least bit happy. BUT, I can say this...in both instances where God threw me for a loop, my prayer was always the same- Lord, do YOUR will, not mine...and in BOTH cases, He did just that. I just didn't like His answer...
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