Party Advice to Myself

Every day I meet people, I notice what is on the outside, the styles, the expressions, the hair- do’s, beyond that, I do not see. I am met with serious limitations. I can’t see the heart, the motives,  nor can I see into the mind of another person. Even if they tell me, there is no guarantee that I am going to hear things as they were intended.

This is the season of many gatherings with friends and family. How many of those conversations will lead me to see and hear as I ought? I want to deal in truth and not false perceptions. I do not want to jump to my conclusions. I am well practiced at it sadly. I think I see clearly, but often. I am wrong, what I heard is not at all when they meant.

The only way I can know really is by taking the time to listen without thinking about what I want to say next. Listen without interrupting. Even if I know a story that would be perfect - except I also know it is way cooler or more exciting than the one I just heard, just let it pass. I don’t have to have the biggest story. Another good idea I need to remember  is no one needs to hear the bad news unless they are part of the solution. I need to be okay with asking questions, good ones that are more than a yes/no answer.

I was reading 1 Corinthians 13 a few days ago, I am reminded of what love looks like really from the Author of Love. Love is patient and love is kind. It keeps no record of wrongs.  It hopes all things and believes all things; love never ends.

I think most of usl have those people in our lives that require patience and maybe some extra grace. There are those whose errors in judgement, all the rotten things they have done, are all very fresh in my iron trap memory - yet, who am I really? God has forgiven me so much.

To live and love well, is to extend the standard of love that God Himself sets for us in 1 Corinthian .13. Before I go to another gathering or have people over, I think I am going to re-read that passage. Then I will ask the Author of love to fill me up with His kind of  love that I am so often short of.

The Hard Stuff

Today I was thinking about the hard stuff of life. Those things we should do, but frankly they are too difficult. It is easier to talk about running than to actually go running. It is simpler to speak about forgiveness than to truly forgive someone.

There are many things in life that are hard to do and so we dismiss them. I have made promises I need to follow through on and have not as of yet. There are books I should read that remain unopened. I also have projects I would like to begin but have not found the time to do so. Our getting around to these difficult things can be a real challenge.

What is it that stands in our way? Today I was reading Romans 8:37-39. These verses remind us that “we are more than conquerors through Him (Jesus) who loved us.” There is nothing that is too hard on my to-do list that through Jesus I cannot complete. He is with me and nothing can ever separate me from His love, His promises, His strength, His wisdom, His peace, and His presence. He is always with me. On this truth I stand and from this perspective I face each challenge as it arises.

Yesterday was the 14th anniversary of my mother’s passing. The anniversary of her death is a very difficult time for me, a valley. Yet, as December 6th comes and goes, I am reminded that the Good Shepherd never leaves me. His peace that surpasses all understanding is right here with me amidst the sorrow and the crushing loss I feel because of the loss of my late mother.

" I AM Here!"

More than once I have been in a boat with waves so high I feared for my life. In John 6: 16- 21 we find the disciples battling high waves. They were rowing hard. It is out of the wind and the waves to the voice of Jesus is heard “Do not be afraid, I am here!” (Vs. 20)

Jesus knows that when things seem out of control, fear quickly swells in the hearts of people. He does not rebuke the disciples for the fear; He simply reminds them (while walking on water) that He is here.

I also find it curious as we read about Jesus walking on water, (not an everyday sight certainly) the waves are high and the wind must have been blowing considerably to create that height of waves. It was not a quiet, calm night our Lord walked out to His disciples. The conditions were rough for boating let along walking on water!

In our life and ministry, we find ourselves facing many challenges and sometimes fear rises quickly, remember that the One who walks on water calls to you and me with the same words “ Do not fear, I am here!”

He never leaves us and He continues to give us what is needed for every situation we face.

Jesus had not told the disciples while still standing on the beach “ Do not be afraid, I am with you”. It was not until the waves were high and getting to the other side seemed impossible those words of encouragement were given.

This same truth is just as true today, as it was that day on that remarkable day on the sea.

Martha! Martha! Give Your Head a Shake!

  I am very much like Martha. I like action. I am not a good sitter- unless I am watching Netfilx!

I was reading the story of Mary and Martha the other day. I have spent a good part of my life defending Martha as I identify very well with her. I always think-" where would potlucks and parties be without Martha!?".  

When we think about the season ahead and the entertaining. f you are like me, I am planning menu's and scouring Pinterest for ideas. Like many- we love people through food. BUT, if it causes us to become so focused on the task- which is easier if we Martha's are to be honest, we miss the quiet voice of what our Heavenly Father may want to say to us. 

Every day, He has a word of encouragement for us from His Word or through a song we listen to. He is pretty creative, but we need to be listening. Hospitality is wonderful, but it is also very distracting. 

I have been and still am walking a very challenging path these days. Hospitality, really is far from my mind. Today- I need to get my footing for the journey I am on. I gain that through quiet moments with God and His Word. He steadies my foot each step. 

At this time, my dear Martha sister who thinks like me- when we take the time with our Heavenly Father this season- whatever that is to you. Know that God brings perspective and insight as we love and care for people along the way.