No Comment

This is a phrase we may use when we don't want to answer a question or when the answer we might give is better left unsaid.  The Lord has been teaching me a great deal lately about "no comment."  The great thing about that is that "I get it" although it would have been greatly beneficial I'm sure if I'd "gotten it" many years ago.  
How precious is the thought that God continues to pursue our hearts to bring us into the likeness of Christ.  Although the lessons aren't always pleasant, they are worth it.  This lesson has not been painful just too long to get it.
My "no comment" moments have come about when there's a thought in my head that I "feel the need to share" but that still small Voice says, "What is your purpose for saying that?"  Well, if that prompting doesn't get your attention, you definitely are not listening.  Hearing that Voice actually makes me smile now because it brings to mind the acronym THINK.  Is it Truthful, Helpful, Important, Necessary, Kind ?  I do like to converse with others but am finding that there are things that just don't need to be said.  One of my earliest posts referenced this verse:  Be still and know that I am God.  I'm learning to be still physically more than I used to and God is also leading me to be still with my words.  The perfect thought for those "no comment" moments: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

COMFORT Zone

     As our Bible study finishes up the book Unstuff we have often discussed the issue of comfort zone.  With ages ranging from early 30's to late 60's we seem to agree that we do like our comfort zones.  If we are too hot or too cold we adjust the thermostat for our physical comfort.
      What about our spiritual comfort zone?  What keeps us within the boundaries of it?   If we are unsure about some one's beliefs, we stay in our comfort zone and may not speak God's Word of Truth or encouragement to them. We don't want to be seen as intolerant or fanatical so we keep quiet.
    Yet, if we simply read the Gospels, we clearly see that the Followers of Jesus stepped out of their comfort zones and many lost their lives for it. Even Jesus, although He was God, stepped way out of His comfort zone when He willingly went to the Cross.
     I admit that I LIKE my comfort zones, physically and spiritually, and I do not always follow that Voice that tells me "you need to step out in faith."  Where is it that you need to step out of your comfort zone to make a difference in some one's life?  Simply look to the Word of God to give you the ability to do that. 
       I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.   Philippians 4:13
 
Image from zazzle.com

Just do it !!!

     As this day of Easter is winding down, I pray you were blessed by time with family & friends & the sweet fellowship of others who rejoice that He is RISEN !!!!!  I posted this pic on Facebook with the comment: "If you know someone who still "doesn't get it", share the Good News !!!"  I also gave the card to my friend Sally & labeled her as the woman speaking. The problem is I  struggle with "not getting it" fully.  I believe we cannot completely comprehend what God did for us through the sacrifice of His Son but I know I am eternally grateful.

     So what's the issue?  Well, as I shared in my last post, I am in the progress of unstuffing but mainly in the material things & not in the use of my time.  Paul stated in Romans 7 - I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do,  I do not do....For I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out.

     Those things I wanted to do in my neighborhood leading up to Easter I did not do. It wasn't that I couldn't do it, I just didn't.  I ponder what missed opportunity is now gone that may have brought someone to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This is the place where I am grateful that Lamentations says "His mercies are new every morning."  Easter is the GREATEST evidence that grace abounds for sinners.  May we have the boldness to make that gift known to others.  Those missed opportunities can be that moment of eternal life or death for someone.  Why would I not want to tell them?

     II Timothy 1:8,9  So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,  who has saved us & called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose & grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time...

When in doubt,  JUST DO IT, make no excuses.

(image by Inherit the Mirth)

Unstuff & Unexpected

     Oh my... it's been 2 months since my last post. Part of it has been I couldn't get back into my blog because of changing email accounts.  I had lots of things pop into my mind that I wanted to blog about but it just didn't come to pass.  There are so many things on my heart as I shared in my last post in regards to the issues we face as families and as a Nation.  I'm just not sure where the Lord is leading me.  Maybe I just need to step out in faith in one of the areas instead of doing little in any of them.
     Some of it may have to do with a Bible Study on the book - UNSTUFF - making room in your life for what really matters. I am here to tell you that for me it is an OUCH book.
   As for the book UNSTUFF, the ladies I meet with offer great insight as we range from age 30 to late 60s.  It's not just about material things because we can "stuff" our lives in other areas such as mind, love, body and even worship stuff.  So many things we are not aware of can be an idol in any of these areas. I would recommend this book if you are looking to bring some simplicity to your life - to unstuff, so to speak.
    Today I received some news that none of us like to hear.   The unexpected passing of a cousin who was more like a brother, only 3 years older than me. He has lived in Georgia for many years so we saw each other only a few times over the years. In high school, he was my hero and my "protector."  I will miss his ornery smile.  It is another reminder that the only thing we own is the breathe we've just taken in.  That gives me another reason to "make room for what really matters."  Praying that each of you will be blessed by those that really matter in your lives.
Psalm 37:4,7  Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass...Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.

Soul Searching

     This photo grabbed my attention because anyone who knows me well, knows that if my eyes don't have a "spark" then I don't feel good. As the title suggests, I've been doing some "soul searching" since my last post, especially this past week.  As part of that, God has been doing some "house cleaning" & healing.  I doubt that all this had much to do with the fact I turned 60 on the 9th  - it really doesn't bother me.  I actually had a 20 year old young man who has been a patient of mine since he was small tell me that 60 is the "new 40."  :-)  I'll take that !!!
     I'm learning that small beginnings are okay - that's a big one for me; that my personal one-on-one testimony of Jesus Christ, even if it is just sharing a tract, is more important that trying to organize an "event" at my church; that the closer you desire to draw to Jesus, the stronger the attack from the enemy (that hasn't been too fun); that I truly have TOO MUCH STUFF - most of us are in the top 5% income bracket in the world (think about that); that God continues to strongly impress upon my heart the need for modesty & purity, especially in Believers, & to "possibly" begin a newsletter ministry to help parents instill this Godly character in their children; and to spend more time in focused prayer.
     I spent my birthday with my dear friend & mentor of 24 years, Karen, in the afternoon & supper with my kids & grand-kids - now that's blessed. The next few days I was down & out with the sinus stuff - thought it had missed me this time - but that's often how the Lord gets my attention.  I NEED to pay better attention !!!!!  ;-)
     The life of a follower of Christ is as simple as this.  Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your soul & with all your strength & with all your mind."  Luke 10:27  Simple, yes; easy, no - "the world" is full of distractions - another area I need to work on a bit.

     So I leave you with this & hope you smile.

first image by chimac.net; second image by eso-garden.net on google images