Day 9

Day 9 -
I am thankful for the message the ladies shared at the Women Of Faith conference this weekend. This was either the 3rd or 4th WOF conference I've attended, and although I've enjoyed each one, I really felt like the messages this weekend hit me very personally. The theme was 'Survival to Revival'.

I've felt God calling me to women's ministry for about 18 years now, ever since I attended my first ladies retreat with the ladies I went to church with back then.  Since that time I have been taking baby steps. Sometimes we are called to proceed slowly. God is still teaching me and bringing new experiences to prepare me. But although I have moved ahead, I've dragged my feet at times too.

I'm continually filled with doubt.  I look in the mirror and see what my past and what other say I am. I see the girl who was painfully shy, the child who was afraid at home, who was told by a teacher she was stupid, someone who isn't the 'cool kid' or popular girl, who was bullied, who was dumped at prom, who has failures and shame, who has been judged, who has been told by Christians what my limits are, heartbreaks and losses, etc... But the truth is, who I really am, is a daughter of the King!  I have told myself and others that that I am free of the past yet as I sat there in the big event center with 6,000 sisters-in-Christ, I realized, I was still letting my past restrict me.  I was letting my past hold me back from accepting the future God has for me.

I need to let all the rest go. REALLY let it go!  It's time to stop worrying about what others think of me and focus on the victory I have in Christ!

Dear Lord, thank you for not giving up on me.  Thank you putting a calling on my life. I will stop living in fear and focusing on myself and my insecurities and I will focus on what You have done and will do. I will minister to women, and be the speaker You're calling me to be. I will obey You. When fear and doubt try to creep in, I will look to You, knowing that I can do all things through, my strength, my all in all.
 Amen.

Day 8

Day 8 - I am thankful for Gods timing. I could give many, many reasons for this, but today I'm thinking of the ability to attend this weekends conference. Thankfully, this was paid for quite a while ago! Thank you Lord for providing and working things out so I could be with many sisters in Christ praising You and being filled. Amen.

Day 7

Day 7 - I am thankful for being able to attend the Women of Faith conference this weekend. It's been about 6 years since I have been able to attend one of these events. I'm looking forward to the speakers and what the Lord has to say to all of us ladies through them. I'm looking forward to the music which always inspires and is a great time of worshiping our God. And I'm really looking forward to being surrounded by many sisters-in-Christ. Being in the frozen chosen north east, it can feel like we are so few. Dear Lord, thank you for this opportunity to fellowship with other believers, to learn more about You, and to praise You!!! Amen.

Day 6

Day 6 - I am thankful that the cooler weather means no (or at least, a lot less) spiders!! I saw a plastic spider that one of the boys strategically placed for me to find, and thought how wonderful it has been not to find creepy crawlies all over the place lately. Dear Lord, I know that I should appreciate all that You have created. Right now I am appreciating the changing season where I'll get a reprieve from Your eight-legged creations.Thank you. Amen.

Day 5

Day 5 -
Today I am thankful for chocolate.  This needs no deep explanation.  Dear Lord, thank you for special treats on dreary days.  Amen.

Day 4

Day 4 -
I am thankful for clutter.  Say what?  Although the clutter in our home drives me nuts most days (all 4 of us like to hang on to things), I can see the blessing in it too.  I look around and see that the clutter is made up of things like toys, clothes that need to be changed out for the next season, pots and pans, piles of school papers, books, etc... I'm thankful our boys are blessed to have plenty of toys to play with and share with friends. I'm thankful that we have plenty of good clothes to wear for all weather.  I'm thankful to have plenty of cookware to make meals for our family and share with others. I'm thankful our boys are doing so well at school and come home excited to show us their hard work.  I'm thankful we are a family who likes to read. And on and on I could go.  Thank you Lord that as frustrating as it is to keep the clutter from taking over, that all of this 'stuff' reminds me that a happy, well cared for family lives here.  Amen.

Day 3

Day 3 - 
I am thankful for God's beautiful creation. Snowy, messy day yesterday. Beautiful sunset last night. Bright, sunshine today with leaves of red, gold, and orange fluttering in the breeze. Dear Lord, thank you for all of the beauty that You have created. Thank you for the four season - the beautiful colors of fall, blankets of glittering snow in the winter, the fresh green buds of spring, and the sunshine sparkling on the sea in the summer. Your creation is a marvelous gift. Thank you. Amen.

Day 2

I am thankful for our church (Calvary Baptist) that stands on the word of God! I appreciate our Pastors as well as all of the others in leadership positions who look to The Lord for guidance and direction. Dear God - thank you for a church that unabashedly preaches Your word! Amen.

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 1

It's hard to believe that a year has gone by and I've barely posted on this blog.
But here we are again, it's time for the 30 Days of Thankful Challenge.

I know some Christians find this irritating.  They feel as though if one participates in this challenge, that it may just be that they aren't thankful the rest of the year.  I respect their choice not to participate, of course.  I will say however, I choose to take part because I think it's always a good time to express our thanks, and this time of year it's a great opportunity to encourage others to focus on their blessings instead of focusing on what they don't have.

With that being said, here we go!

Day 1 -
I am thankful for cousins sleepovers and the great (and brave) aunties that do this a few times a year! Thank you Aunties!  Have a fun day & night!!  Thank you Lord for special times for the kids and aunties to have fun and build special memories!!  Amen.

He is my support on which I can depend

"You pray?  You really believe?  You go to church?  You 'depend' on God?  Ha!  God and church is nothing more than a crutch."

Have you ever had someone say something like this to you?  I have.  Many times actually.

Usually when these questions and statement are said, they are meant to embarrass and belittle Christians; to mock their faith.  But, before we get offended or stammer to clumsily defend ourselves, let's consider the meaning of a crutch.

"Crutch" - 1. a support used by and injured or disabled person, as an aid to walking.  2. Something on which one depends.

Hmmm... Can I really be all that upset with being told "God is your crutch"?

When I think about it, isn't God my support?  Doesn't He aid me in my walk and carry me when I can't go on, on my own?  Isn't He someone on whom I can depend - completely?

Do we not all depend on something?

Many people depend on work, money, status, education, relationships with other people, etc.

These things are all temporary and undependable.  Our Lord, however; is our rock.  He is always there and always dependable. Psalm 18:2 says "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer...."

I'm mindful of the song "Jesus Loves Me".  Do you remember the line, "I am weak, but He is strong."?  It's not a sign of weakness to admit that we are weak and our God is strong.

Isaiah 40:10 - "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

So, If someone accuses me, as a Christian, of relying on, depending on, being supported by God - then I'm good with that!

Isaiah 40:28-31(NASB)

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?

the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth

Does not become weary or tired.

His understanding is inscrutable.

He gives strength to the weary,

And to him who lacks might He increases power.

though youths grow weary and tired,

And vigorous young men stumble badly,

Yet those who wait for the Lord

Will gain new strength;

They will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not get tired,

They will walk and not become weary.

Day 3

Today I am thankful for sleep. 
This may sound weird to those that know me well as 6 - 8 hours is plenty for me, and I don't like to sleep late. But, I am so appreciative of a good night's sleep. If I'm sick, it makes me feel better. If I'm worried or stressed about things, I awake with a better perspective. After a long day it feels so great to climb under cozy covers. Then in the am, I love waking up to my young men coming in for a morning snuggle before starting our day.
Thank you Lord for peaceful sleep!

Day 2

Today I am thankful for my husband. 

He works hard to provide for our family. He is the official attic 'getter-outer' and 'put-awayer'. He does most of the yard work. He protects me from ferocious bugs (like spiders). When I'm sick, he takes care of me. He is a great Dad and gets involved in the boys Scouting (he is "Mr. Scout"), and cheers them on at their soccer games. He makes great cheesy eggs. He is a wonderful example of loving and serving the Lord. He loves me unconditionally, supports, protects and encourages me. And if all of that isn't enough, he does a great Dr. Duffenshmirtz impersonation which amuses me greatly (sorry folks, he won't do that for just anyone)! I could go on, but suffice to say, I am thankful and blessed to have John as my husband! Thank you Lord for providing me with a wonderful husband and friend, and a great dad for our boys!!

"30 Days of Thankfulness Challenge" Day 1

As I was falling asleep last night I was running through my head all of the things that needed to get done today in preparation for this evenings Pizza & Movie Night for my Cub Scouts.  As I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the list of 'to-do's', I knew what my Day 1 post would be about.

Today I am thankful for, our home.

It's not palatial.  It's not pristine.  It's floors are not without stains and marks.  It's shelves and corners are not without clutter.

But here's what it is.

It's a home where there is lots of love, laughter and life!  Over the 9 years since the Lord brought us to, and provided for our home,
* we have welcomed our 2nd son
* hosted playgroups
* my mother stayed on weekends (super special since she is now with the Lord)
* held summer school when the public school had nothing to offer
* had a licensed day care, providing for our family
*  lots of laughs at Sunday night scrapbook nights
* celebrated many birthdays, anniversaries and holidays
* annual Christmas parties
* lead and hosted two separate Cub Scout Dens
* many Bible studies
* dearly loved Heart2Heart program once a month
* too many play dates to count
And much, much more!!

What a blessing it has been to watch our children grown here, and welcome friends and family in it's doors.

So although our home may not be featured in Better Homes and Gardens, it is a refuge and blessing to our family, and I am truly grateful!!  Thank you Lord for our home!!!

"30 Days of Thankfulness Challenge"

Several years ago I started an "I Am Thankful" challenge on my blog; you know, where you write one thing for which you are thankful each day.  After a few years had passed and I began using Facebook more than my blog, I began writing my thankful posts on there. 

Psalm 107:1 Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.

As November is approaching quickly, I began thinking about how it's almost 'that time' again.  As I considered it while perusing my Facebook news feed however, I felt God prod me to do more.

I was convicted to not only write one thing for which I am thankful each day in November, but also to strive to not complain.

Complain, complain, complain.  How easy our pet peeves, annoyances and gripes roll off the tongue (and fingers).  "We need to vent!" we'll reason.  Yes, it's true, I feel the need to vent sometimes too.  But have you ever signed onto Facebook for a quick minute before work just to check in and at the end of that minute feel annoyed or almost depressed over all of the negative posts in your news feed?
What if, ... what if, instead of just posting what we are thankful for that day, we also endeavor to keep our posts positive for the whole month?  How would that make us feel individually, not to give into that grumpy voice in our heads?  How would it make us feel to see primarily happy, positive posts in our news feeds?

Now of course, things will come up.  People will have real needs, hurts and problems.  I'm talking about giving up for one month, posting about how horrible the coffee server was who forgot to double cup your latte.  I'm talking about not speculating how anyone could buy a new car in that color.  I'm talking about not complaining that anyone who likes a particular show, movie or band is a moron.  See where I'm going with this?  We all have the right to our opinions, I'm just challenging us all to not go negative for one month.
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
This will also help us with Philippians 4:8 - Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

And what if we take things even one step further (now I'm really getting crazy!).  What if, we challenge ourselves to let at least one person per week through November know that we appreciate them?  (More than just a grumbled, 'thank you' as you go your way.)  A handshake and a word of thanks.  A card with a note of appreciation.  What then?  How would that effect both the giver and the receiver?
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up ...

What do you say?  Anyone with me on this?

Would you join me for "30 Days of Thankfulness"? 

Feel free to save the picture below and put it on your Facebook page or blog.  If you have a blog, leave me a message with your address and I'll link to your site.

The Ultimate "Quicker-Picker-Upper"

The other day, I was rushing around doing the ‘normal’ weekday routine.  Getting two children ready for school, making sure they had on clean underwear, making lunches, packing backpacks, putting in laundry and getting myself ready for work, etc.  I then sat down to take a minute to check my emails before heading out the door, when my youngest son came in for a kiss and a snuggle (so blessed to have lovey sons!!).  I had been sick with a yucky head cold the whole week, so when I sneezed, my son wanted to take care of mom so he ran and got a box of tissues for me.  As he came back in the room, he pushed the box onto my desk and went to hug me again – but in doing so, he inadvertently knocked over my almost full cup of tea (the mug was still almost full despite the fact that I had made it an hour ago and had reheated it three times).  The tea immediately consumed the school permission slip on my desk and quickly made it’s way to my files.

My poor son felt terrible and tried his best to help – but the more he tried, the bigger the mess got.   I “asked” him to scoot over so I could clean as the tea was making a b-line for my computer at record pace.  I frantically wiped up the mess as my son started to cry and apologies repeatedly.  Once the danger was averted, I sat down and took him in my arms.  I told him I loved him and assured him that I wasn’t mad at him, but that mummy had to get in there to clean up the mess before it got worse.

Looking back at this event, it makes me think; doesn’t our Heavenly Father want the same thing?  When we make a mess in our lives, and when that mess threatens to spill over the edge, doesn’t God want us to step aside and let Him clean it up?  If we try to handle it on our own, don’t we usually just make a bigger mess of things?

When we’ve made a mess (aka, we sin, and don’t follow the will of God, whether intentionally or not) we need to go to Jesus. 

1 John 1:9 says -  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Just as my son told me he was sorry, we need to confess our sin to our Father, apologize for our mess and then turn to Him to do the cleaning.

Psalm   51:7-9

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
⁹ Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

On our own, it would be as if we tried cleaning up with dirty rags – but Jesus can make us truly clean.  Not only will He clean our mess, but will renew us.

Think of when there is a spill on the carpet.  We clean it, but the mark always comes back, even if a little fainter.  Not so with Jesus.  If we let Him, He will make us whiter than snow, He will blot our all our iniquity.

So remember, when you make a mess, we all do, God loves us and is ready, willing and able to clean up our mess.  He is the ultimate ‘quicker-picker-upper’!!  So run to Him, and get out of the way, and watch what He will do!

The Straight Path

Sorry for the lateness of this post.  It's been a busy week with my boys in camp and getting to join them on Monday.  What a blessing to see them having so much fun with their friends and trying out new things.  What an eye opener as well.

Going into this week, I had thought that the boys from our troop would be together, and they are.  What I didn't realize was that there would be other boys added to the group as well.  This of course does make sense though, as we didn't have enough boys to make a full group.

I met one of the other young boys right away and had the pleasure of meeting his mother who seemed a very nice lady.  Just before we got under way for the day, the other two boys joined the group and made their presence be known.

After a few stations, I could tell that these young men were not being brought up with the same sort of values as the other boys in our group.  Once we hit our fourth station for the day however, I really knew that these boys were not being brought up in a Christian home.  Long story short, topics of discussion that they brought up while waiting for the other boys to have a turn at the next activity were 'hatchet practice', using the father's machetti to cut off chicken heads, and strip clubs - yes, strip clubs!!!  Why on earth should 10 year old boys even know about such a thing?!?!?  I must say that their group leader did a great job at changing the subject and not letting the boys talk about inapproriate things.  While my heart broke for those boys, I was concerned about their conversations being heard by my sons.

This past year has had a lot of firsts for me as a mum.  I've sent our boys out to do things on their own for the first time and to be honest, I've had a lot of anxiety about it.  I've reminded myself again and again to 'be anxious for nothing, but everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God and he will make your path straight." 

Sending my boys out the door for day two of camp without me was hard, especially after the topics mentioned above had been discussed by boys in their group.  I have been reminding the boys that they need to do what God tells them to do and act in a way that is pleasing to Him, not to join in something because the others are doing it.  I tell them to ask God what to do and He will guide them if ever they are confused.  I shared this week's verse with them:
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

This is something that I need to remind myself of time and time again.  I don't need to waste time wrestling with something trying to figure it out on my own.  Go to God and trust in Him, we'll never take a wrong turn with God!!

Is there something that comes to mind today that you need to trust God for?

Next week's verse: Matthew 6:33

Forgiveness

The 10th grade was an interesting year for me because I had lost 30 pounds the summer prior to the start of school and as a result people who had never paid me the time of day before were suddenly willing to talk to me. Although I was still very shy, I felt a little more comfortable in my own skin.

I sat in the last row near the windows in my Geometry class that year. I was friendly with the kids who sat around me and although I did more listening than talking (yes, I know that's a switch to how I am now) we did enjoy socializing before the start of class each day.

As the school year went on, there was a boy who sat in front of me who kept teasing me. At first I didn't think much of it, just that he wasn't fond of me, but as his teasing persisted, the kids around us told me that he was teasing me because he liked me. This made me very uncomfortable! I had never had a boy like me before and to add to that, the kids around me thought it was very funny that he would like me.

I can make excuses that I was young, or that I succumbed to peer pressure, but I'll never forget what I said to that boy one day. It may seem laughable now, but it really wasn't funny at all.

One day he came in and began teasing me as usual and I told him (I still tear up with shame, even now) that no one liked him, not even Santa Clause (it was around Christmas). The look on his face was awful. I really hurt him! At the end of class I apologized, but he walked away. The next day and the next and the next I tried to apologize to him. He would just give me a 'yeah, yeah' response.

As time passed, he was able to talk to me again, but it was never the same.

Several years ago I was at church and one of the gentlemen who lead the men's ministry there introduced us to this man he brought. This man had fallen on hard times and was trying to get clean. When we went up to meet him, it was the same boy I had been mean to years prior. My mind recollected the 10th grade incident with amazing clarity and the sickness in my stomach felt the very same as it had felt back then. I greeted him warmly and encouraged him in his journey and gave him a hug as we left that day. I've often wondered what happened to him. I hope he's done well.

It's been over 20 years since I made a very bad choice and hurt this boy, but clearly, I am still struggling to forgive myself. I am as desperately in need of God's forgiveness as anyone, but I think I can count on one hand how many times I have been mean to someone and it still breaks my heart to think of this.  This is also a good reminder of how damaging the tongue can be! (Psalm 141:3)

God tells us in 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I still struggle to forgive myself for this sin from many years ago several years before I knew the Lord, and yet our amazing God can forgive every one of my sins and cleans me!

It never ceases to amaze me that God can love us so much!! It's also a humble reminder that I am but a sinful human, but God is so GREAT, LOVING, FORGIVING, FULL OF GRACE - too amazing to really comprehend!!

What do you think of / feel when you think about God's forgiveness? Do you need to ask Him to help you forgive yourself about something?

Next Week's Verse: Proverbs 3: 5-6

Take the Blindfold Off and Get Movin'

I was driving home from work today with my two boys talking and laughing in the back seat.  About half way home my younger son (just turned 7) said, "Mum, do you know what Tom (that would be Tom of 'Tom & Jerry' fame) does when he sees the big bull running for him, or when a train is headed for him?"  "No, what does he do?", I answered.  "He puts a blindfold on and waits to be hit" he answered with a tone that left me with no doubt that he was smiling from ear to ear.  "Hmmm, I think I would just run out of the way instead of waiting to be hit." I said.  "Yeah," my little man reasoned, "I think he just doesn't want to see what's gonna come and run him over."

The wisdom, and chiding of those words hit me instantly.  When something is coming straight for us, do we get out of the way or simply put a blindfold on and wait for what seems to be the inevitable?

The scripture I'm studying this week with my friend who I am discipling is 1 Corinthians 10:13 -
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Maybe the bull or train that seems to be heading our way is a great temptation.  Maybe it seems that we can't avoid this fast approaching threat.  Maybe, we deal with it, by not dealing with it.  Maybe we put on a blindfold of sorts and wait to be crushed.

Let's step back and look.  As a young lady (or even a married woman), this 'train' may come in the form of a young man whom we are attracted to. This young man may be very appealing (in many ways).  But does he know the Lord?  Is he walking with the Lord?  Where is this 'relationship' headed?  Are we going to get knocked off our feet and off of our walk with the Lord?

Maybe instead, this 'bull' is our enjoyment of good times and partying.  Possibly we start having a glass of wine here to take the edge off when we've had a tough day with the kids, and then we begin a weekly 'girls night out' having a 'few drinks' at the local watering hole.  Next we keep a bottle of something at home to get us through the day.  Will we be brought to our knees and not be able to continue a sober relationship with God?

God does not promise that we'll never experience temptation - a train or bull will come at us from time to time.  He does however, promise that He will provide a way to keep us from being plowed down. 
Instead of reaching for the blindfold, lets look up to heaven and ask God to show us, and give us the strength to get out of the way.  Claim His promises!

Next week's verse: 1 John 1:9

Summer with our Savior

Each year as the spring moves on and we count down to the start of summer, our minds (influenced by our ever-bulging calendars) look forward to the approaching reprieve most of us enjoy in the hot, school-free months. It is right, I think, that we take a break from the hustle and bustle of the school year and hopefully take time to rest and have fun with our families. Those that serve our Lord by teaching our children and leading adult Bible studies also often take a break from preparing their lessons. This too I think is necessary as we want to avoid burn-out.

As much as we all need a vacation from our normal schedule, we must be careful not to take a vacation from God. He never takes a break from us - can I get a big hallelujah on that?!

With this train of thought, I've been considering for a few weeks about having a 'study' on this blog to help us all with consistency in our walk with the Lord. I've had many ideas, but I didn't feel the Lord's leading, until today. I think what we should do is study what God puts on our hearts, but we can come here each week and check in on Monday, sharing what He has had to say to us.


Today I did a little homework as I have begun discipling a dear sister-in-Christ and wanted to be prepared for our time together. Our verse this week is John 16:24 - Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete. (yeah - that was from memory. I've always struggled with memorization, but I don't give up - it's so worth it!) This week we're talking about the assurance that our prayers are heard and answered. One of the verses used in this chapter is Philippians 4:6 - 7. Tonight I was brought to a place where I once again had to either chose to trust these verses, or tell God, "All set, I'm choosing to worry this out instead thanks." Phil. 4:6-7 says 'Be anxious for nothing, but everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and soul in Christ Jesus.'

This isn't coincidence. Nope! God knew what was to come and made sure I was reminded once again of His instruction (don't worry - go to Him) and His promise (His peace). I don't know what is going to happen in this new situation that has me so sad/upset, but I do know that it isn't too big for God and that worrying will not help anything. I need His peace and strength to be there for others who will need me and I need to have my head clear to learn what is to be done. (Sorry - it's not that I'm trying to be cryptic, but I don't want to divuldge too much family info.)

So this is what I'm working on this week - or rather, what God is working on with me. I need to not worry, but trust and pray with confidence.

The prayer request I'd like to share: Please pray for discernment and a quick, clear and effective course of action.  

What is God saying to you this week? Is there a key scripture you're claiming? How can we pray for you?

Something to Chew On

There's a group of ladies from church I meet with one Saturday a month whom I have come to sincerely love and appreciate deeply!! We meet each month for our Heart 2 Heart group where we are able to pour our hearts out to each other in an environment filled with love, respect, compassion, understanding and in confidence!! Ahh... the ability to vent with complete peace of mind, knowing your dirty laundry will not be pinned up on a clothes line for all to see!

The second Saturday of the month is quickly becoming one of my favorite days, and I look forward to it immensely!!

One particular month, Psalm 139 was mentioned and as we read it, the words really penetrated my heart and I felt God teach me something almost immediately! (which is quite a feet being as thick headed as I can be!!)

Psalm 139 is a beautifully written song by David (though 100% holy inspired by The Lord).

It begins with David offering praise to God for being all knowing - being of full knowledge of every aspect of David's being, thoughts, actions - that He knows it all before time existed. He so aptly writes: vs. 6 'Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.'

Boy oh boy, I feel that way many times as I study the Bible or as I am on  my knees in prayer. As truths about the Lord and His ways start to sink in.. as I start to think I'm getting a grip on things, I become completely overwhelmed (in a good way!!) by how BIG God is!! how mighty!! how Loving!! how forgiving, gracious,..... I am left just marveling 'God, you are just amazing!!'

There's a verse that may be very familiar to many, vs. 14, 'I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.'

When we look at our children, I think we find this verse so easy to believe, don't we? But what about when you think of it in terms of yourself? Speaking for myself, it can be very hard for me to take in. Poor self-esteem? Am I too 'humble' to allow myself see me in these terms?.. maybe... But here's the key: Simply think on the fact (not just think - no - really meditate on it and prayerfully ask that our hearts be able to accept this truth) that God's word says 'your works are wonderful'! Because if we in fact do believe in the latter part of the verse 'I know that full well', then how dare we have 'low self esteem'? We are part of His work, are we not? Therefore, are we not wonderful in His eyes? And if we are wonderful in our makers eyes, the maker of the whole universe, who are we to think lowly of His creation?... (there's something to chew on... I'm still chomping away)

But here's what really got me about this Psalm; there are 24 verses in this song of David's. The first 18 verses praise God so beautifully!! The next 3 deal with David's enemies. The last 2 he asks God to search his heart for anxious thoughts and any offensive ways that God may lead him in the correct way.

75% of this Psalm praises God!!
12.5%  of the verses are petitions to deal with his enemies who speak out against God!
8.33% are petitions asking God to put him on the right track!

That's the way to be isn't it?!!
What if we were to spend 75% of our life praising!! Joyous hearts in song, or uplifting thoughts. Praising our Heavenly Father! Could we be down, self loathing, lazy, grumpy when we are consumed with praise for another - for God?!!
What if we were to only dedicate 8% of our life talking about ourselves?...

Then, give what we can't control to God knowing He is fully capable of handling any situation.

I think the vast majority of the time when my spirit is down, I can chalk it up to 'self'. How I choose to see things, how I look at things... I am going to make the choice to spend the majority of my days praising!!

Here's a challenge for us all:
Take vs. 14 and insert your name!

'I will praise you Lord for Diane is fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, Diane knows that full well.'

This is not blasphemy - it's just a matter of taking scripture and making it personal to help us take it in as fully as we can.
Go ahead - give it a try.
Start spending 75% of your days praising Him, and remember that you are part of His wonderful work!!