It's ME!!! :-D

I am having a "me" day. 

No,  

not a day that I am living for myself, serving my own desires, 

putting my needs above others, or being otherwise selfish or exclusive!

By saying "a me day", 

I mean a day that feels right for me...

one that reflects what is most important to me, 

 what my priorities are, 

what my convictions are, 

and,my truest, purest choices

...a day that reveals my heart.  

This will require further explanation, I see...

 Growing up, as an adopted (and "only") child, I often heard stories of other adopted people setting out to "find themselves". I thought this was silly. And, perhaps, it is not something that only adopted people do. All of us, to some extent, tend to base our understanding of ourselves upon our comparison of other's lives, as well as according to what others think of us. I suppose this is natural.  But, we can get really mixed up doing this self-hunt this way! 

"For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding." (2 Corinthians 10:12)

For the most part, I have always been comfortable "in my own skin", as they say. I liked being alone, because I liked myself okay. But, I do remember looking at others, and deciding that I would like to cultivate a quality that I appreciated in them. I also remember deciding to avoid certain behaviors/attitudes/characteristics that I felt were less desirable.

Nowadays, I hear the phrases, "Get REAL!" and "Be NORMAL!" ... neither of which are conducive to being true to yourself.   Both "real" and "normal" generally refer to what the rest of the population are doing, which is not often or always right in God's sight.

"And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God." (Luke 16:15) 

In my Christian journey of 34 years or so, I have been growing in my understanding of myself, as I grow in my understanding of my Savior. 

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" (Ephesians 4:15)
"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." (Romans 13:14)
"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Somewhere along the way, I allowed the voice of others to prevail against the voice of the Holy Spirit and my own, inner voice...and, I gradually all-but "lost" the "real me".  I have realized anew that it is every bit as important to be true to yourself, as it is to be true to God; and, that this should be done simultaneously!

This morning,  it occurred to me that I was experiencing that glorious combination and balance again. What that amounts to for me is simply this:

~ apply the principles of God's Word in a way that reflects the way that He created me...a unique being.

If we pattern ourselves after other people, either we will become hypocrites or become very disillusioned with ourselves.  Our thought processes, and our choices, should reflect our true nature, as well as the nature of God. 

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. "
(2 Corinthians 3:18)
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12)
 "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is."  (1 John 3:2)

So... 

dressed in my long, loose layers of comfortable, cotton, home-sewn clothing; 

eating kale chips & almonds; sipping a fruit smoothie from a glass straw; 

hanging my homemade soap-scented laundry outside to dry; 

spying (with camera in hand) on the birds at the feeders outside my kitchen window; 

folk music predominating all other genres; 

colorful rag rug in the making by my side; 

grandson safely tucked-in for a nap; 

reveling in sons and daughters exploring and learning and serving and working; 

basking in the love of a good man...

these things and many more make me "ME"!

I am happy with me, 

and 

happy in the Lord.

  

Setting Our Sights

 

Who of us, to some extent or another, 

 does not "set our sights" on something: 

a destination, 

a goal, 

a vision for the future, 

the next major event? 

Plans and dreams and expectations help to keep us moving, keep us "ticking", keep us motivated.  

For myself, after a major event or goal is realized, there's a momentary let down...a "now what?" moment...a need for re-setting our sights for the next thing. I remember, as a child, experiencing a feeling of disorientation when my dear aunt's long-awaited visit had come to a close and she left us. I hardly knew what to do with myself... "Now, what do I look forward to?"  

We have all experienced the disappointment that comes when something for which we had planned, prepared and expected  fell through. For whatever reason, the thing we had hoped for and worked towards fizzled.  At 55 years, I can look back on a great many of those times. (Of course, I can also look back and realize that God's "detours" proved the best way!) 

So, how do we stay grounded in the schemes and dreams of our lives? How do we stay focused? Balanced? Content? I believe the answer is found in these profound words in Colossians 3, verse 2:

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

The previous verse states: "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

It certainly isn't wrong to make plans and work towards them. But, we need to keep the end in view. Whether our earthy aspirations are realized or not is of little importance in the bigger picture. We need to live our lives in a way that prepares us for the grandest scheme that ever was, that final destination that will last an eternity.  That "view" will help us keep a proper perspective while we "occupy til He comes"...

If we seek and set our affection (minds) on those things that glorify God, we will not be disappointed when that time comes.

""But now ask the beasts, and let them teach you; And the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you." Job 12:7

Truly, I am not a fan or fancier of snakes.    Honest, I'm not! 

However, I am extremely fascinated by all of God's creation...including snakes. They are a mystery to me. How they move without legs!!!

Proverbs 30 says in verses 18 and 19:

"There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
         Four which I do not understand:

The way of an eagle in the sky,
         The way of a serpent on a rock,
         The way of a ship in the middle of the sea,

         And the way of a man with a maid"

Everywhere I look, I am mystified by God's creative handiwork. I am in awe of His infinite variety of species and sub-species. I am intrigued by the diversity, adaptation, survival techniques, camouflage, instincts, migration...the list goes on and on and on!

Okay, confession time: I was determined to be an environmental biologist, once upon a time.

But, aren't we all to some extent?  God has asked us to be good stewards of His creation:

Genesis 1:26 " Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.""

All of nature, human nature included, absolutely intrigues me. Even the snakes. I make no apology. Psalm 8 summarizes well my faith and philosophy in this regard:

O LORD, our Lord,
         How majestic is Your name in all the earth,

         Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!

From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength
         

Because of Your adversaries,
To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
         

The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;

What is man that You take thought of him,
         

And the son of man that You care for him?

Yet You have made him a little lower than God,
 And You crown him with glory and majesty!

You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
         

You have put all things under his feet,

All sheep and oxen,
 And also the beasts of the field,

The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
         

Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord,
         

How majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Observing something as simple and slithery as a lowly snake causes me to worship Him, 

the Creator of all.

Romans 1:20 " For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

This One Thing I Do...

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4)

I make a lot of "to do" lists. And, I remake my lists, over and over, as I re-prioritize and complete tasks, and new projects emerge. For quite awhile now, I've thought that I ought to have a "one a day" system for the things that are most important to me, such as:

1. read one chapter in my Bible each morning 

2. write one letter every day

3. exercise once a day

4.  make sure Ethan has 30 minutes in his stander every day

Alas, each day takes on a character of its own and my lists are altered accordingly.  The older I get, the more I realize that it is not so much what you do as how and why you do it.  Doing "the next thing, first", as my daughter would say, with cheerfulness and a servant's heart is more important than checking everything off the list, as though there's a prize at the end of the day for doing so. Doing all "as unto the Lord" is more important than trying to impress anyone with our capabilities and efficiency. Going about our duties for the good of others blesses ones' heart more than indulging self. And, last, but not least important is keeping the perspective eternal! 

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2Corinthians 4:18)

That eternal perspective just makes all the difference in the world, literally.  For instance, am I so concerned that every last stick of silverware gets washed, that I become irritated at every interruption of the inquiring mind and heart of my child? Do I pause, dry my hands, stoop to face that boy and really listen to what interests him? Or, am I storing up clean dishes in heaven?!?!  Obviously, dishes must be washed or soon we would be eating off the table; but, the thought here is : "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Dishes are not eternal. Clean houses (in & of themselves) are not eternal. Souls are.  So, as we work at dishes or whatever it may be, our first priority must be to affect a soul for eternity...with a knowing smile, with a gentle touch, with a listening ear, with a compassionate heart, with a kind word or generous gesture...

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead 

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.(Phil.3:13)

What Can I Do?

This morning, I asked for prayer from my facebook community for our son, Ethan. He is sick, and being one with cerebral palsy and sensory issues, he thinks he's going to die. Of course, I'm concerned for him - that he doesn't go into seizure activity from the fever and stress, that he doesn't become dehydrated due to refusal of any food or drink, that he doesn't aspirate vomit when he's throwing a fit about hurting. (and the list goes on)

So, as I'm sitting here, keeping watch, working on a rag rug, praying, checking in on facebook, I see that many dear friends have responded with concern and reassurance that they will be praying. This just blesses my heart. I, myself, count it such a privilege to pray for the needs of others. I scan my "news feed" several times a day simply to be aware of the needs of others.

Often, that's all we can do. Pray. And, trust God to answer those prayers in a way that fulfills His purposes and that glorifies Him.

I started wondering what else is accomplished by being aware of the suffering of others, especially if we can do nothing, physically, to help them. The following is what came to my mind, though by no means exhaustive:

1. Knowing that there are people who are starving, should make us less wasteful, and more thankful.
2. Knowing there are people without family, without loved ones, should make us treasure our relationships to the point where we "submit one to another, preferring one another", laying our lives down for one another.
3. Knowing that some wander the streets, with no shelter, should make us good stewards of our dwelling places; and hospitable.
4. Knowing there are sick and disabled folks, should make us use our strength and minds for His glory.

What can I do?

I can live a faithful life of gratitude.

I can live "circumspectly"...


"So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."
(Ephesians 5:1-2)

Sound Speech, Sound Thoughts

I've been impressed over and over through the years with the necessity for "sound speech which cannot be condemned" (Titus 2:8). 

I've been careful not to use unnecessary words, knowing that "every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment." (Matthew 12:36)

I believe that "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." (James 3:6) 

I have guarded my words and intend for them to fit into one of these categories: "edification, and exhortation, and comfort." (1Corinthians 14:3) 

However, I have not always been as guarded, or careful with my thoughts. 

I have, over the course of the last several years, allowed my thoughts to "run a-muck". When I was feeling disgruntled about a situation or disappointed about a person, I allowed myself to grumble to God about it, in my mind. Those kind of unhappy thoughts led to muttering under my breath. No one heard. I figured it was simply a harmless emotional release on my part.  Now, I'm not referring to obscenities, cursing and foul language. Sometimes, it was something sarcastic, like,"I'll believe it when I see it." Or, just plain negative: "I'm sick and tired of this!"

Was this "harmless"?  What does the Bible say? 

"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

(Philippians 4:8)

"A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart."

(Proverbs 26:24,25)

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7)

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

(Hebrews 4:12)

God actually woke me up very early one morning, convicting me of the danger of my negative thoughts. It isn't enough to have sound speech, I must also have sound thoughts. 

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

(2 Corinthians 10:5)

Remember these monkeys?... "Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil"???

Well, I propose that there ought to be a fourth monkey, representing THINK NO EVIL.

One more section of verse, in conclusion, and it just happens to come before the well-known Philippians 4:8..(see above).  It is Philippians 4:4-7:

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  

Some translations say "IN Christ Jesus". That's where I want to be.

Prepare to Share

My moments of greatest blessing have been those in which I had something to share. The truth is:

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35)


As I reflect upon my own missed opportunities to share, I see several requirements...

Our hearts must be prepared to share. We must reckon with the fact that everything we have is from God, rather than something we have earned or deserve. "Freely you received, freely give."  (Matthew 10:8) " What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7)  "If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother;"(Deuteronomy 15:7)

Of course, this includes our talents, our gifts, not just our material possessions.
 
We must also seek opportunity. "So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." (Galatians 6:10) " Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share..."(1 Timothy 6:18) "Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you." ( Matthew 5:42) "And he would answer and say to them, "The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise." (Luke 3:11)

If we fail to plan to provide, not only for ourselves, but for others, when those opportunities present themselves, we will not be prepared. "He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need." (Ephesians 4:28) 

Still, we cannot share that which we do not possess. "But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you:..."(Acts 3:6)  This reminds me of another post I wrote some time ago, entitled "She Hath Done What She Could" 

Which brings me to the last and most important point. The gospel of Jesus Christ,with the joy of His salvation, the blessed hope of eternal life and His peace that passes human understanding that it brings, is surely our most valuable treasure . It is the most important gift we can share with others.  This, also, requires preparation...time spent with Him, in His Word, in prayer, with His saints.  "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (1 Peter 3:15)