I have an acquaintance I talk to every month or so who always asks me when my next vacation is. I just laugh and respond that I have no plans for a vacation. I’m always shocked at the silly question and he’s always shocked with my answer! Of course I’m not planning a vacation. Vacations are for people who have a significant other to enjoy them with, people with money to spare, people with time to spare. I don’t seem to have any of those things.
The last time I took a vacation was 4 years ago for a 4 day trip. This was a time in my life that I had a significant other to do such things with. My roommate hasn’t been on vacation in 8 years, also when she had a love interest to go with. Now that we’re not involved with anyone, why waste the time and money on a vacation we can’t enjoy with a love interest?
Here’s why. God did not create this gorgeous planet, with amazing sights, sounds, aromas, things to taste and touch for us to only experience the ones we pass from home to work. As a Christian, I find it impossible to be immersed in the natural beauty of this world without feeling closer to God. I am drawn to the wonder of His creation and when I'm in it I don't want to leave. So why don't I do it more often? Mostly because I'm afraid. Afraid to go alone, afraid of spending the money, afraid I'll be singled out as a single person. But, fear is a lousy reason not to have a regular connection with God's creation. Fear is not of God.
Besides, if I never do marry, I will be an awfully boring old person. No stories to tell, nothing for people to be interested in. Therefore, still alone and lonely. Fear will have gotten me nowhere. I'd rather be someone who has lots of stories and pictures, which draw people to me. Telling anyone who'll listen about the trips I took and the things I've seen. I love hearing about the trips of the acquaintance I mentioned above. He makes a point to experience all that this life has to offer. He does so because he knows that when we leave this earth, we can't take anythings with us, just our experiences.
So, I plan to start planning. Planning short trips to the mountains to meet God there. Planning longer vacations in more exotic locations to meet God there. Planning regular times to enjoy this beautiful place He created to bring Him glory. I plan to praise Him in hot places, cold places, high places and low places. As many places as I can.
Gen 1:31a (Message) - God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Let's Go Fishin'
What is the most important question fishermen ask each other? "What are you using for bait?" Everyone has a different response. Some swear by worms, plastic lures, live bait, even doughballs! Fisherman are passionate about their bait and they will keep trying until they find what works best for them. Also, they need to adjust their bait depending on what they want to catch. Certain fish are attracted to certain bait.
So, what are you using for bait? What is it you decide to cast out into that ocean of singles in order to hook a good one? What are you fishing with and what kind of fish do you hope to catch?
Our society tells us plenty of ways to catch a mate. We should have the "right" size body, perfect hair, nice clothes, makeup, and jewelry. We should also have the same attitude that most people do - whatever makes you happy and feel good is right. If it's okay with the people involved then it's a good thing to do. Right?
But what does the bible say about how to fish? What should we, as Christians, use for bait? There's a lot of fish in the sea. How do you attract just the right one?
For starters, I haven't found many bible verses about wearing the right clothes and having the perfect hair. Actually it says we should focus on something very different. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT) says: "Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." Notice this verse doesn't say to do what is precious for men, it says to do what is precious to God. And what is precious to God? A gentle and quiet spirit. Do you have one of those? Is that what you're casting into the ocean of men? It should be. Why would God, who loves His sons as much as He loves His daughters subject any of them to a woman whose only concern is her outward beauty? As a loving Father, He desires to give His dearly loved sons to women with gentle and quiet spirits. Can you blame Him for not giving His son to you? What is the state of your spirit? If it's not gentle and quiet then maybe you have some work to do before God will allow you to hook one of His best fish.
I know I have to continually check my spirit. But the more I desire to change and make steps to become obedient to Him, the closer I am to catching the right fish. Just like Peter when he obeyed the Lord after an exhausting and unproductive night of fishing. "He [Jesus] got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon [Peter], and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break." Luke 5:3-6(NLT)
What was Peter's newly preferred choice of bait? Just Jesus.
So, what are you using for bait? What is it you decide to cast out into that ocean of singles in order to hook a good one? What are you fishing with and what kind of fish do you hope to catch?
Our society tells us plenty of ways to catch a mate. We should have the "right" size body, perfect hair, nice clothes, makeup, and jewelry. We should also have the same attitude that most people do - whatever makes you happy and feel good is right. If it's okay with the people involved then it's a good thing to do. Right?
But what does the bible say about how to fish? What should we, as Christians, use for bait? There's a lot of fish in the sea. How do you attract just the right one?
For starters, I haven't found many bible verses about wearing the right clothes and having the perfect hair. Actually it says we should focus on something very different. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT) says: "Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." Notice this verse doesn't say to do what is precious for men, it says to do what is precious to God. And what is precious to God? A gentle and quiet spirit. Do you have one of those? Is that what you're casting into the ocean of men? It should be. Why would God, who loves His sons as much as He loves His daughters subject any of them to a woman whose only concern is her outward beauty? As a loving Father, He desires to give His dearly loved sons to women with gentle and quiet spirits. Can you blame Him for not giving His son to you? What is the state of your spirit? If it's not gentle and quiet then maybe you have some work to do before God will allow you to hook one of His best fish.
I know I have to continually check my spirit. But the more I desire to change and make steps to become obedient to Him, the closer I am to catching the right fish. Just like Peter when he obeyed the Lord after an exhausting and unproductive night of fishing. "He [Jesus] got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon [Peter], and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break." Luke 5:3-6(NLT)
What was Peter's newly preferred choice of bait? Just Jesus.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU
I will take care of you. Who doesn't long to hear someone express those words? Mommies and Daddies say them to their children. Husbands and wives to each other. Sometimes grown children say them to their aging parents. Everyone needs someone to care for them at times. If not physically, or financially, then emotionally. How lonely it would be to have no one to care for you.
So, if you're living on your own, no spouse, no close family, where do you find that care? Who will be there when you have a need? Who do you turn to without feeling as though you are intruding or burdening someone?
About 2 years ago I made the decision that I would live for Christ. Not just believing in Him as my Savior, I had done that years earlier, but actually living my life for Him. I was still recovering from a painful brake-up, short on friends and lacking in happiness. I had nowhere to turn but to my Lord. And when I did, He welcomed me with open arms.
Since that time, I am overwhelmed with how the Lord has cared for me. He has introduced me to a group of Christian friends who pray with me and for me. He provided a way for me to own a home. When I needed a new refrigerator, a free one was offered along with a matching stove! He even gives me the occasional free lunch through coupons or co-workers offering to treat. Some people would look at these things as just coincidence or luck. Not me. I know these things are from my God. I know because He told me he would take care of me.
A while ago I started communicating with someone through a dating website. Our emails and phone conversations went well and so we decided to meet. Being a typical woman, I began to over think every detail. What would I wear, say, do? What would he say? Would we be compatible in person? What if I spill something on the new shirt I bought? My mind raced with every possible detail and scenario. During the half hour drive to meet my date, I prayed fervently for God's guidance and peace.
I met the gentleman for dinner. Things were going well, as far as I could tell. But my mind was still racing with questions. Is he the ONE? Do we want the same things? Would he be a good husband, father, provider? God silenced these thoughts with one simple phrase. In the middle of eating my mashed potatoes, I heard His words in my mind, strong and clear, "I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU." Wow! God was reminding me not to look for care and support from someone else. He will be the one to take care of me, thank you very much. The God of the universe will give me what I need when I need it.
I finished my dinner and told the nice gentleman that I'd be willing to talk with him more. It turned out he wasn't as interested as I was (story of my life). But that was okay. What God had told me was so much more important! I treasured these words and pondered them in my heart.
God knew that I needed a little reminder of His faithfulness. Now when I receive a free lunch or the unexpected blessing, I know I'm not just lucky. I know that my Lord is taking care of me. Providing for me. Loving me. And He will do it for all eternity.
He will do so for you as well. He told you He would. Not so sure? Just look at Psalm 23 (NLT):
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
If you turn to God as your shepherd, He will care for you. His goodness and unfailing love will pursue you all the days of your life. Forever.
So, if you're living on your own, no spouse, no close family, where do you find that care? Who will be there when you have a need? Who do you turn to without feeling as though you are intruding or burdening someone?
About 2 years ago I made the decision that I would live for Christ. Not just believing in Him as my Savior, I had done that years earlier, but actually living my life for Him. I was still recovering from a painful brake-up, short on friends and lacking in happiness. I had nowhere to turn but to my Lord. And when I did, He welcomed me with open arms.
Since that time, I am overwhelmed with how the Lord has cared for me. He has introduced me to a group of Christian friends who pray with me and for me. He provided a way for me to own a home. When I needed a new refrigerator, a free one was offered along with a matching stove! He even gives me the occasional free lunch through coupons or co-workers offering to treat. Some people would look at these things as just coincidence or luck. Not me. I know these things are from my God. I know because He told me he would take care of me.
A while ago I started communicating with someone through a dating website. Our emails and phone conversations went well and so we decided to meet. Being a typical woman, I began to over think every detail. What would I wear, say, do? What would he say? Would we be compatible in person? What if I spill something on the new shirt I bought? My mind raced with every possible detail and scenario. During the half hour drive to meet my date, I prayed fervently for God's guidance and peace.
I met the gentleman for dinner. Things were going well, as far as I could tell. But my mind was still racing with questions. Is he the ONE? Do we want the same things? Would he be a good husband, father, provider? God silenced these thoughts with one simple phrase. In the middle of eating my mashed potatoes, I heard His words in my mind, strong and clear, "I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU." Wow! God was reminding me not to look for care and support from someone else. He will be the one to take care of me, thank you very much. The God of the universe will give me what I need when I need it.
I finished my dinner and told the nice gentleman that I'd be willing to talk with him more. It turned out he wasn't as interested as I was (story of my life). But that was okay. What God had told me was so much more important! I treasured these words and pondered them in my heart.
God knew that I needed a little reminder of His faithfulness. Now when I receive a free lunch or the unexpected blessing, I know I'm not just lucky. I know that my Lord is taking care of me. Providing for me. Loving me. And He will do it for all eternity.
He will do so for you as well. He told you He would. Not so sure? Just look at Psalm 23 (NLT):
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
If you turn to God as your shepherd, He will care for you. His goodness and unfailing love will pursue you all the days of your life. Forever.
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